In our modern society, it’s not uncommon for parents to focus on the physical, intellectual, and emotional growth of their children. After all, these aspects directly impact a child’s journey through life. But what if we expanded this view to acknowledge a less tangible, yet equally important facet of our beings – our spirits?
Recognizing children as spirits means acknowledging the essence of who they truly are – eternal beings on a human journey. This perspective opens up a new way of parenting, shifting the focus from simply raising children to guiding souls.
What Does Raising Children as Spirits Mean?
When we look at children as spirits, we’re acknowledging that they are, in essence, spiritual beings having a human experience. This view allows us to honor their wisdom, individuality, and purpose, while also recognizing their innate potential for growth, empathy, and understanding.
By seeing our children as spirits, we respect them as unique individuals on their own spiritual journey, independent yet interconnected with us. This recognition urges us to guide, rather than dictate, encouraging them to learn, explore, and experience life in their own unique ways.
How Does This Change Our Parenting?
Raising children as spirits introduces a new dimension to parenting. It shifts the focus from meeting societal benchmarks and controlling behavior to fostering spiritual growth and nurturing their intrinsic qualities.
This approach encourages mindful parenting, emphasizing empathy, understanding, and connection. It means listening deeply to our children, trying to understand their experiences and emotions from their perspective. It’s about providing a safe space for them to express their feelings and thoughts openly, without judgment or criticism.
Raising children as spirits might also entail nurturing their spiritual practices. This could involve introducing them to meditation, mindfulness, yoga, or other spiritual traditions. It’s about allowing them the freedom to connect with the spiritual aspects of life in their own way.
What Does This Look Like?
Raising children as spirits may vary significantly from one family to another, reflecting our unique spiritual beliefs and practices. Here are some ways it might manifest:
- Honoring Individuality: Parents encourage their children to explore their interests, passions, and curiosities, respecting their choices and decisions.
- Fostering Empathy and Compassion: Parents cultivate an environment that promotes kindness, understanding, and respect for all beings.
- Teaching Mindfulness: Children are introduced to practices like meditation and mindfulness, helping them to live in the present moment.
- Promoting Open Dialogue: Open, honest conversations about spiritual matters become a norm, fostering deeper connections and mutual respect.
- Modeling Spiritual Living: Parents embody their spiritual beliefs, inspiring their children through their actions rather than words.
What Are Spiritual Thinkers Saying?
Many spiritual thinkers emphasize that our true nature is spiritual, not physical. For instance, Deepak Chopra, a renowned spiritual teacher, states, “We are not human beings having a spiritual experience; we are spiritual beings having a human experience.” This view reiterates the importance of recognizing the spiritual essence within us and our children.
This shift in perspective can revolutionize how we approach parenting. It encourages us to nurture the spiritual growth of our children and cultivate a deeper, more understanding connection with them. More than anything, it empowers us to guide them in their journey, celebrating their unique spirit as they explore their human experience.
With Love, Lakischa Smith
Meet Lakischa Smith, a proud mother and a dedicated public health advocate. With a Bachelor’s from Dillard University and a Master’s in Public Health from Florida International University, she’s committed to sharing honest narratives about black motherhood. Lakischa believes in fostering sisterhood to combat the pervasive forces of white supremacy, and empowering African American women to be agents of change for future generations. She asserts that recognizing and addressing our community’s struggles is crucial, for healing is the key to moving forward. Armed with the power of education and a deep belief in collective action, Lakischa is determined to ensure that the issues impacting African American parenthood aren’t just seen—they’re addressed and resolved.
