September Challenges

September marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new school year, filled with numerous challenges. I want my 8-year-old grandson, James, to deal with his uncertainties fearlessly and with confidence. I keep thinking, what could I teach him that would comfort him and give him strength when he is not with me? Then, out of the blue, my dear friend, Christiana, sent me a video with David Ghiyam, the leading speaker on the spiritual wisdom of Kabbalah, pushing his beautiful children on a swing. This is what he taught them. 

Three things to teach ourselves and children.

1. What do I ask for? Certainty.

2. When it gets bad, it means it’s getting good. 

3. When times get tough, God Looks.

   
   

The first day of school is magical for children. It feels like Christmas morning when you awaken to the excitement of what you want or are hoping for. On the first day of school, the teacher becomes the child’s present. When a child is nurtured, he or she feels safe to make mistakes and learn from them without the damage of being judged. My grandson is learning that his strength is in the now moment. Children often love to procrastinate when it comes to homework or other tasks they don’t feel they need to complete. The main element in procrastination is a lack of conviction. James is learning to honor his choices, his future, and his destiny by committing to the moment. If James has the desire to do something, then it is time for him to decide to begin and support the action. This is not always easy for him or me. All James has to do is do it. When he commits with joy and confidence, he is unstoppable. 

It takes time and discipline to be patient with a child. Whatever wisdom I can gain from others is a gift. Since I have many roles as a woman that consume my days, I would be foolish to say I have complete control of my senses, emotions, and mind. When I focus on myself through Yoga and meditation, it centers me and helps me face life’s challenges more clearly. As Benjamin Franklin, the man who drafted the documents for the Declaration of Independence and the American Constitution, said, “A well done is better than well said.”