Reflecting on my decade-long journey as a parent, I’ve realized that although at first I believed I was in charge of raising my kids, the truth is, it’s actually been my daughters who’ve raised me into a more awakened and mindful individual. Rather than seeking my guidance and enforcing my expectations or control, what they truly require is my attentive and engaged presence.
This leads me to ponder. What aspirations might I have for my children? Drawing from Shefali Tsabary’s insights in The Conscious Parent, here are a few to consider:
Not that they will be a good achiever, but a good learner. Not that they will obey you, but that they will respect you. Not that they will blindly follow your dictates, but that they will seek your counsel. Not that they will be a star, but that they will master the art of being. Not that they will follow your vision, but that they will create their own. Not that they will achieve “success,” but that they will live a life of purpose.
Not that they will find direction, but that they will find meaning. Not they will be your puppet, but that they will be your spiritual partner. Not that they won’t experience pain, but that they will find the means to become whole. Not that they won’t fail, but that they will find the courage to start again. Not that they won’t hurt others, but that they will find the grace to ask for forgiveness.
beautiful perspective.