Spirituality is not a value system reserved for adults. It doesn't belong exclusively to religion or to any one culture. It's an inner openness and the discovery of one's most authentic SELF. It elevates thought and brings joy and freedom. But spirituality isn't a gift of nature. It requires a certain practice of living.
Don't for a moment think that your children are too young to discuss such a broad subject with them — quite the opposite.
The spiritual dimension is a significant component of human life, and it is learned day by day. So it's entirely natural to hope that your child will revere life, respect nature, and contribute to joy… We don't always get what we want when we want it. But we must learn to make the best of it. Acceptance, impermanence, resilience…
Spirituality through trust
Your children need to feel that a Supreme Being watches over them and smiles on them. Never instill your own religious skepticism in them. Instead, raise them in love. To borrow Einstein's idea, the most important decision a human being can make is choosing whether we live in a friendly universe. So don't pass on your dark thoughts, your nihilistic views. Be kind to these little ones, help them feel safe. And if you really want to protect your child, teach them to protect themselves. Martial arts, for girls and boys alike, are an excellent approach. Don't expose your children to TV news, graphic action scenes, or aggressive video games.
Spirituality through love of nature
We live in a country where respect for the environment is treated as almost superfluous. Yet many studies have shown that people who feel connected to nature enjoy better physical and emotional health. It's therefore important for our children to marvel at the beauty of the world: a spider's web glistening with dew, the moon rising, kittens being born, or even a simple green sprig growing through concrete slabs. Nature always reclaims its place.
We can always do something
Make sure your children never feel powerless when they witness life's hardships, or you risk seeing them grow into unhappy teenagers and cynical adults. Teach them that it's possible to make a difference and that every action matters. Life offers plenty of opportunities to help children become optimistic and independent. Whether it's trying to find meaning at the heart of humanity or understand the mysteries of the universe, our children ask us to help them take in certain information so they can make good sense of the world. When you don't know the answer to your children's questions, look into it together, and above all, don't make a drama out of it!
Spirituality through gratitude
Gratitude is a spiritual path independent of religious beliefs, even though it's rooted in them. Expressing gratitude regularly raises one's level of personal happiness. At their age, children have little understanding of the many blessings that mark their lives. We need to help them become aware of how fortunate they are. So it's important to express gratitude sincerely, avoiding the mechanical phrases picked up in everyday language. Every evening, before bed, help them identify three good things that happened that day and that made them happy.
Limit their access to new technologies
Children intuitively grasp how smartphones and digital tablets work. However, be wary of screens that overstimulate them without their even realizing it. Turn your home into a haven of peace. Cultivate gentleness and quiet.
Value difficulties
Teach your children that effort is often needed to get what one wants. Moral choices are hard to make, and goals aren't simple to reach. So don't let yourself get discouraged. On the contrary, do everything you can to achieve your goals, and be patient if needed.
Contribute to a better world
Our children are often confused by life's unfairness. That's why our help is always valuable. It's up to us to bring harmony to the world, by taking part in social action, defending animals, protecting nature, and promoting peace in the world. Our role is to help our children find their path so they can have a positive impact on their time.
The 7 precepts at a glance
| Precept | In practice |
|---|---|
| Spirituality through trust | Be kind to these little ones, help them feel safe. |
| Spirituality through love of nature | It's therefore important for our children to marvel at the beauty of the world: a spider's web glistening with dew, the moon rising, kittens being born, or even a simple green sprig growing through concrete slabs. |
| We can always do something | Teach them that it's possible to make a difference and that every action matters. |
| Spirituality through gratitude | Every evening, before bed, help them identify three good things that happened that day and that made them happy. |
| Limit their access to new technologies | Turn your home into a haven of peace. |
| Value difficulties | On the contrary, do everything you can to achieve your goals, and be patient if needed. |
| Contribute to a better world | Our role is to help our children find their path so they can have a positive impact on their time. |
Excerpt from an Article published in La Sultane
