I had 2 incidents last couple of months, with kids. As usual, when I meet a kid, somehow there is always something to learn.
So, he is a 5-year-old, and it's his annual day celebrations. These days schools charge a certain amount for the costume and makeup, no more self-tutorials and adjusting clothes available in the home or borrowing cousins' clothes for the event. His mom was all geared up to see him rock and roll on the stage. And trust me, he got some cool moves, shaking those little knees and crossing his tiny hands across.
Not just the money, she had to take some special permissions to make his big day on stage work, so obviously she was excited. Now, time for the big surprise. He went on to the stage, stood at the corner, holding a girl's hand and smiling, and watching the drone above him pass by. Just stood there all the 4 minutes of the song. The mom was running here and there, trying to get a glimpse of him, with her camera, to shoot his cool moves and his first stage experience and all that. But un un.. He did not MOVE, a bit.
She was worried as to why he did not dance, was he afraid, did he forget his steps, etc. She was also disappointed that he did not use his chance to the full extent to perform and show. Like, very disappointed. While he was coming down the stage, she was waiting by the ground to see him. You should look at his face. It was brimming with enthusiasm and excitement and as she questioned, how the performance went, he said great, with a heartful smile, large, happy, content.
She was confused.. She further asked, why didn't you dance. He replied, the teacher asked him not to. OK. Then further she enquired, are you happy? He said, very much. Her confusion doubled, but as she calmed down, she realized. That's the WHOLE POINT. The whole act of annual day and getting on the stage is a not a show of his talent or experience. It is to make him HAPPY and yes, he is indeed, very.
And the second kid.
So, this mom and her 2-year-old son visited her friend's home. For spending some time, no big agendas or plans, but just to simply have some chit chat.
The friend was kind of looked very worked up, why? because her house is relatively small, when compared to the mom's. And there is not much space to move around or go out in the open to play. She did not even have toys handy to engage the kid.
The kid, just 2, very energetic, I would not say hyper, but active, creative, explorative, and fun loving. He explored the entire house, including the balcony and the washroom - very important. Found out what all is there in the fridge, got excited for the chair, coffee table, bed and a small couch, watched a couple of songs on the tab, played with some colors, also found out how the calling bell sounds, ate a little bit, voila.
Yes, sounds like too many things and bog list, right? And the cherry on the top, while it was time to leave, he said, he loved the house and wanted to not leave and also come again. Was he happy? YES. Was he content? YES. How was that possible, without space to run around and toys to play? Because he is the source of joy.
Kids are the sources of love and happiness. That's all of it that is filled inside their hearts which is erupting.
OK, my final lessons - we are the source. Let's not search for happiness outside us or in things or in people. You can be happy, right now, right here.
