Finding Humility as the River Flows Backwards

Families weather a number of consequential transitions on account of death, divorce, new births, cross-country moves, inter alia. Some bring joy and gratification, some grief, anger and confusion, while others turn things upside down demanding deep adjustments for children, parents and elders. Identities take a hit, as new and older roles adjudicate their scopes, potentiating periods of learning. There is no definite, consistent shape or velocity with which such outgrowths arise. But they do give a clarion call to humility in embracing the shake-up. 

So this week, gather with your family and/or pre-teen kids to watch the 1998 movie, Stepmom. A warm family tale of how adults (two parents and a potential step-parent) gradually grow their relational capacities beyond the baser instincts of envy and insecurity as the reality of a terminal illness refocuses their attention towards their kids and even more so the impermanence of human existence. We hope you find inspiration in this movie! 

Trailer

Title: Grandad's Prayers of the Earth
By: Douglas Wood (author) & PJ Lynch (illustrator)
Ages: 6+

"A boy walks with his beloved grandfather in the woods. It is a perfect time to slow down, to savor the natural world, to ask questions, and to stand in silence before the wonders that abound. The wise grandfather observes that trees "pray" as they reach for the sky; rocks and pebbles pray as they sit still and are silent; water prays in all kinds of ways; and the wind prays as it "whispers and moans and sighs." Birds pray with their songs, but human beings pray some of "the most beautiful prayers of all" by giving thanks at a table, making music, or painting a picture.

The boy is impressed with all these insights and asks "Are our prayers answered, Granddad?"

Grandad responds "If we listen very closely, a prayer is often its own answer. . . . Like the trees and the winds and waters, we pray because we are here — not to change the world, but to change ourselves."

When his grandfather dies, the boy is very sad and lonely. As a teenager, he finds that it is hard to pray anymore. But then one day while walking, he hears the natural world praying just like his grandfather had told him it did. He feels connected to the trees, the flowers, the singing birds, and his grandfather. Changing himself, the boy is ready to live a life of wonder and gratitude.

This marvelous picture book for children six years and older is a testament to the intimate relationship writer Douglas Wood had to his grandfather. The beautiful outdoor settings are vividly conveyed by the exquisite watercolor drawings by P.J. Lynch. Here prayer is to be discovered in nature: it only takes a changed perspective to see and hear these prayers all around us. This children's picture book is a classic that deserves many readings. It won the Christopher Medal." -- A Review

This week we invite you to journal about any life-shaping transitions that have landed your way as a parent and elder. What did you learn or are still learning? What kept your flame lit as you stepped into it consciously or just found yourself in its midst one seemingly normal day? What parts did you just glide through and which ones kept you on your toes? We understand there is no linear graph for such a process. There is also no one medium of expression, we encourage you to draw, doodle, write or speak your words into a voice recorder. 

Take inspiration from this week's quote by Bulleh Shah, an 18th century mystic poet and philosopher from Punjab, Pakistan who talks about seeing the divine when the river (taking the example of river ganges) flows backwards.