Embracing the Unique Minds of Children and Adults

So there I was, a regular day at my daughter's school, nothing out of the ordinary. I dropped off my youngest daughter at the kindergarten pad and then decided to accompany my elder daughter, joining the line for her school's morning routine. Kids have their own special way of making you appreciate the little things in life, don't they? In this case, it was a hand-clapping game known as "Stella Stella Ollo." I can't help but smile at the nostalgia that game brings, even as I stood there, trying to keep up with my daughter's enthusiasm.

As the game progressed, a bunch of girls joined in, making it a lively and enjoyable experience. But there was something more to these schoolyard gatherings than just a game of Stella Stella Ollo. Since I started being part of these morning play sessions, a curious thing began to happen – kids started opening up to me. Children, in general, are natural sharers, and I've had some truly fascinating interactions with them over the past few months.

One of these young girls, in particular, caught my attention. She had a striking resemblance to me, particularly in her eyes. I hadn't planned on sharing this story, but sometimes life has its way of weaving unexpected threads into our days. You see, I had a dream about this girl, who happens to be in my daughter's class, even though she hadn't been in the same class for the past four years. The dream came just a week before the school started, and when I saw her in reality, it was an eerie coincidence.

Fast forward a month, and my daughter pointed out something remarkable – this girl's eyes. They were mesmerizing, just like mine. It's not easy to describe the uniqueness of my own eyes, but they're a blend of greenish, grayish, aquaish, with a touch of yellow and brown on the inside, I think technically maybe I should write hazel on my passport. There's something about the yellow that sets them apart. So when I saw this young girl's eyes, I felt like I was seeing a reflection of myself.

Now, I didn't plan to talk about this in my reflections, but sometimes life's narrative takes unexpected turns. It got me thinking about the profound connection between eyes, the soul, and the mysteries that lie within.

This morning at the school, one of the girls, a regular in our little circle, approached me as she often did. She shared bits of her life, her feelings, and the profound sense of being misunderstood. It's essential to be there for someone who needs an open ear, and I cherish the role of being that person for her.

My own daughter, however, sometimes gets a bit jealous. She's wondered why all the children come to me with their concerns and stories. I've tried to explain it, saying that perhaps I just seem open and approachable, and these kids sense that. But she just wants me to herself, which is entirely natural. At home, I make sure to spend extra cuddle time with her at night and engage in meaningful conversations.

But that conversation with the young girl got me thinking. She spoke about how challenging it is for her on the school bus, where kids are often unkind, or even worse, they think unkind thoughts about her. She described it as hearing what someone is thinking, even when they don't say it out loud. It was an eye-opener for me, a reminder that we all perceive and experience the world in profoundly different ways.

Most people might dismiss such claims, but I couldn't help but take her seriously. Maybe, just maybe, these children are drawn to me because I'm not one to think negatively about others. When I'm at the playground, I make an effort to smile at everyone, to send out positive energy. Perhaps this girl senses that and feels safe in my presence, free from the negative thoughts that can consume others.

The encounter brought home a fundamental truth: we all think and perceive information differently. The young girl's unique ability to sense what others are thinking, while uncommon, is a stark reminder of the complexity of human perception and thought. It's a reminder that we can't assume that the person next to us is experiencing the world the same way we are.

This little incident at my daughter's school also made me reflect on my own personal journey. Over the last three years, I've undergone a profound spiritual awakening, a process of self-discovery that has at times been uncomfortable. Each stage of this transformation has been intense, and it often takes a while for my physical self to catch up with the changes happening within my soul.

One of the challenges I face is the fear of being misunderstood. As I evolve and gain new insights, I sometimes worry that the people from my previous stages will not understand me or worse, reject me. My husband, whom I love dearly, has been incredibly supportive, but I've been hesitant to share the full extent of my experiences. I'm fascinated by subjects like Aphantasia and near-death experiences, but I've held back from sharing too much, worried that he might find it all too strange.

The truth is, people change and grow over time. Even someone we had a challenging relationship with in the past might not be the same person today. So, why should we fear that they won't accept us for the changes we're going through? It's a bit silly when you think about it. Life is about growth and evolution, and it's essential to remain true to our authentic selves.

Spiritual awakening, however, isn't always easy to understand. When your mind begins to expand and you perceive the world in new ways, it can be challenging for those who are not on the same journey. Some may remain closed off to the possibilities of consciousness and the mysteries of existence.

All of these reflections culminate in one simple truth: we are all different. Our minds are unique, and there's no way to truly inhabit another person's thoughts. So, why judge others for the way they perceive the world, express themselves, or process information?

I know that judgment is hard to cast aside completely, and I must admit that I sometimes judge those who are judgmental. But maybe, just maybe, we can all strive to create a world where understanding, empathy, and acceptance are paramount.

So, let's celebrate the unique minds of children and adults alike. We all have different experiences, perceptions, and ways of thinking. Life's richness lies in our diversity, and it's a beautiful and wonderful thing. In the end, we're all on a journey of learning, growing, and evolving. And that, my friends, is a remarkable gift.