“Life is nothing to be very serious about. Life is a ball in your hands to play with. Don’t hold on to the ball.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
“While we try to teach our children all about life, our children teach us what life is all about.” – Angela Schwindt
How often the playful pranks of children have touched us! We get a sense of joy in every act that a child does. What could be the secret? Innocence! Children are the very embodiment of innocence. They are untouched by the vicious cycle of emotions such as ego, hatred, anxiety, etc. As they grow, they get influenced by the adults whom they mimic. Ironically, we as adults have a lot to learn from our children. The kids can teach us many important life lessons. The wisdom that they spontaneously manifest is unfeigned, just like their innocence. It is when we observe them closely that we can relearn and enjoy the simple things in life that we have ignored lately. While being busy trying to make sense of everything around us, we have lost our innocence and have become too serious of late.
What are some of the lessons that we can learn from children?
9 Life Lessons from Children
Living in the Present
Children enjoy being in the moment rather than brooding about the past or worrying about the future. Living in the present makes them more connected to themselves. Apply the same lesson in your life and you will feel your life unfurling. It will help you clear the internal chatter, and make you appreciative of the now, and live your life rather than think about your life.
Keeping your Originality
How often have you seen children upset over what people think of them? In fact, they barely understand that emotion. Growing up, the feeling may catch on as they become more conscious of society. Like children, we shouldn’t be too worried about what others may feel about us and should ever be our natural selves. Do not succumb to the societal pressure of being somebody you are not, but rather be yourself and hold your head high.
Choosing to be Happy
All our adult life, we keep looking for happiness in our wants, and we simply forget that all the joy is actually within us. We reserve our smiles for occasions and vacations because we take our days and moments for granted. But children stay happy irrespective of their status and condition unless we wire them differently. They can get happiness from even simple things. This nature of tweaking our mood at any point of the day is what we can learn from our children. Happiness is in the nature of the individual and is to be found within and not without.
“Happiness is our very nature. What overshadows this happiness is, “I want this”, or “I want that”!
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
Saying No to Grudges
Children hardly remember any fights and move on the very next moment. This is one of the life lessons that can help us live uncomplicated and stress-free lives. When we hold a grudge, it troubles us instead of the person we are angry with. So next time you see your child, remember this life lesson, and forgive and forget, and leave aside any differences as foregone.
Caring for Others
While being innocent, children are also very sensitive towards themselves and others around them. They can't ignore you if they find you upset or worried, something that an adult may put a blind eye to. Imagine how better our relationships would be if we cared for others like children? Certainly, one of the important life lessons to learn from children is to get rid of misunderstandings in relationships by being sensitive and caring for others.
Self-Belief and Imagination
As adults, we get so engrossed in our busy lives that we let go of our dreams, aspirations and imagination. But children don’t stop their minds from fantasizing stuff or let go of their faith in big dreams, something that leads them to achieve those dreams. Imagine, if we live our lives with so much positivity and belief, there is nothing that can stop us from conquering greater heights in life.
Acceptance
One important life lesson from children is to have an open heart and be accepting. Children can beare at home with anybody and everybody forgiving and easily give us chances when we make mistakes around them. As grown-ups, we too can practice accepting people as they are without expecting them to be our way. Yes, our actions should make a difference rather than our words and expectations.
Friendliness
Children are always eager to make new friends, even the introverted ones. Many of us adults just go on with our mundane activities and make excuses of time for not being available to others. On the other hand, children may have different personalities, but they are always looking to build new connections. Can we learn this life lesson and make a change today by reaching out and interacting with more people?
Honesty about Feelings
“Do not make an effort to impress others. When you come from the self, your expression is perfect and your impression lasts for ages.”
~ Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
One of the crucial life lessons to learn from children is honesty. Children are candid about how they feel in any situation. When they are hurt, upset or anxious, they express themselves. And similarly, when they are happy, they let us know. Adults have a different take on life. Most of us hide our emotions as we fear being mocked at by others. It’s alright to feel the way we do and being honest about such feelings relieves us from stress, bringing more fulfillment in life.
The gift of life is in being innocent and childlike. Moreover, what’s the point in taking so much stress and putting the body through turmoil? So, which of these life lessons from children has really inspired you?
Parenting is easier when you become a friend of your child. Learn more about healthy parenting with us here and help your children grow up to be a beautiful version of themselves.
