Steven D. Farmer's Blog, page 3

Turtle Spirit

Note to Reader:  This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These columns will initially focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.

(#5)Turtle Spirit

“There is more to life than increasing its speed.” —Mohandas K. Gandhi

“For fast-acting relief, try slowing down.”—Lily Tomlin

A few years ago when I was writing my book Power Animals, I would ask the spirit of each of the 36 animals for a message, then transcribe it. I was often amazed at the wisdom of the advice that would be conveyed, as if there was a Bluetooth in my head through which each of the spirit animals dictated what I was to write.

Turtle especially came through loud and clear. When I asked what message he wanted me to communicate, he said in a very slow, deep voice, “Slow down! You’ve got all-l-l-l-l-l-l the time in the world,” stretching out the words in a delightfully slow tempo of speech. Certainly made me listen that much more closely.
Flash forward to a recent vacation we took on the Big Island of Hawaii, where for the first few days we stayed with some good friends Bill and Stephanie. I was showing them the new Children’s Spirit Animal Cards and pulled one as a demonstration, asking simply what I needed to pay attention to for this vacation. I drew the Turtle card, which had a similar message: “Take your time.” I got it immediately that this was exactly the spirit animal and message I needed for this trip.

From there it was amazing how many times Turtle showed up in either physical or symbolic form. For instance, later that same day we went to Three Rings Ranch, the home of several rescued animals, and of course, there were two turtles there. Later that day we went snorkeling and two turtles appeared, resting on the rocks near the shoreline where we were swimming.

After we returned one evening I was reading a book to Ari and Serena, and the only animal that was in the book was a turtle. When I had searched for this book earlier, another one that had fallwen off the bookshelf was one of my favorites: Old Turtle. I’m not sure omens get any clearer than this! So even today I feel the presence of Turtle spirit and am continually reminded to slow down and take my time, to not get too caught up in the “hurry up sickness” that is so endemic to contemporary society.

The sage advice from Turtle spirit is captured in his words from the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, followed by some suggestions to support taking your time:

So many people are in a hurry these days that it is easy to forget to slow down and enjoy whatever is happening. You remember the story of the Tortoise and the Hare? Going faster doesn’t always get you where you are going any more than taking your time and going at your own pace. It also takes courage at times because there are so many rabbits running around like crazy! Just know you will get there just as quickly by going at your own speed and at your own rhythm no matter how quickly others move.

And don’t be in such a hurry to grow up too fast! You may find yourself wanting to do things the older kids are doing, or wanting to learn everything NOW. Know that over time you will learn everything you need to learn, so just take your time with each new thing you’re learning instead of rushing off to something else or being upset because you can’t accomplish more. It takes time to learn things, and you really have all the time in the world, so slow down and only move fast when you actually have to.

ACTIVITY
* Today walk a little bit slower than usual, breathing deeper and slower than usual in rhythm to your stride. Notice how that makes you feel.
* When you get involved with a project of any sort, take as much time as you need to complete it even if it extends over a few days (unless of course it’s homework that is due tomorrow!)
* Ask your mother or father to spend a few hours at the park or beach with no watches or clocks around to remind you of the exact time.
* Observe how the moon changes slowly over a period of about four weeks, since it takes its time doing so.

So try some of these out and see what happens. I’ve noted that when I heed Turtle’s advice I still get done what I need to, but stay calm and centered while doing them. I also take time to go outside whenever I can, even in the middle of writing projects that require continual focus. And life really is too short to make anything a bigger deal than it really is!

“Half our life is spent trying to find something to do with the time we have rushed through life trying to save.” —Will Rogers

(#4) Hummingbird Spirit by Dr. Steven Farmer

Note to Reader:  This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These columns will initially focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.

"When we love unconditionally, with our hearts wide open, we
feel joyfulness."—Arnold Patent

"Joy is the infallible sign of the Presence of God."—Rev. Joyce

Hummingbird's Power: Joy and Sweetness

I was coming to the back yard by a side route, a passage along the house that requires you to go through two gates to get to the back yard and my office. My office is in a separate unit, a one room "mother-in-law" unit as they're called here in Laguna Beach. This one though, has become my office.

I was feeling preoccupied with weighty matters, such as what to post on Facebook, what time I should go exercise, etc., my brow furrowed. I was about to go through the second gate when it occurred to me that maybe all this stuff about 2012 and global warming would come true. Maybe I should be more worried. I was feeling pretty solemn.

Then as I opened the gate, there just a few feet from me, hovering as if she'd been waiting for me, was the hummingbird who told me her name was Heather. I heard it in my mind, knowing it was her spirit that was speaking to me, passing along a message. I couldn't help myself. Immediately I broke out in a big grin, said, "Hello Heather," and heard her gently chide me for being so morose.

I recalled the image of Hummingbird in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards, receiving her nourishing nectar from a bright red flower, her wings in stop motion, and the simple message that she was conveying: Cheer Up! It's hard not to smile when encountering this tiny yet powerful being!
Here is the extended message from the guidebook that accompanies the cards:

There are days when you'll find yourself in a bad mood or just feeling kind of cranky, and nothing seems to make you feel better. The first thing you should always do is check to see if you're wearing your H.A.T. In other words, whether you're Hungry, Angry, or Tired—H.A.T. If any of these are true, do what you can to take care of these first. Doing so will help you get out of a bad mood.

Get some good nutritious food if you're hungry; talk to someone about your anger if that's the case; or get some rest if you're tired. Take care of what you need first, then try smiling a little bit and then focusing on all the good things that are in your life. It's amazing how when you smile at others they usually will smile back with the both of you feeling a little bit better—and might even make you feel happy and cheerful! 

ACTIVITY

* Try a "Dolphin smile," where you turn the outer edges of your lips up just a bit, stand up straight, and check out how you feel when you do.
* Whenever you're feeling low be sure to take care of your H.A.T. first and then see how that affects your mood.
* Do something silly or goofy just for the fun of it.
* If you're in a bad mood, talk with a family member or friend about what's bugging you.

If you're ever feeling low, sad, or depressed, first take Hummingbird's advice and take care of yourself by eating, resting, or expressing your anger with words to someone who can simply listen. Then try this simple meditation. Close your eyes, feet flat on the floor, and breathe a little deeper and slower than you typically do. In your mind's eye bring in an image of a hummingbird. Keep your breathing slow, deep, and steady. Simply observe this little being and see how it feels in your body.

If you want to take this a step further, you can ask Hummingbird spirit for advice. Once you've asked, pay attention to whatever happens after: what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. You'll be delighted with the response you get!

(#4) Hummingbird Spirit by Dr. Steven Farmer

Note to Reader:  This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These columns will initially focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.

"When we love unconditionally, with our hearts wide open, we
feel joyfulness."—Arnold Patent

"Joy is the infallible sign of the Presence of God."—Rev. Joyce

Hummingbird’s Power: Joy and Sweetness

I was coming to the back yard by a side route, a passage along the house that requires you to go through two gates to get to the back yard and my office. My office is in a separate unit, a one room “mother-in-law” unit as they’re called here in Laguna Beach. This one though, has become my office.

I was feeling preoccupied with weighty matters, such as what to post on Facebook, what time I should go exercise, etc., my brow furrowed. I was about to go through the second gate when it occurred to me that maybe all this stuff about 2012 and global warming would come true. Maybe I should be more worried. I was feeling pretty solemn.

Then as I opened the gate, there just a few feet from me, hovering as if she’d been waiting for me, was the hummingbird who told me her name was Heather. I heard it in my mind, knowing it was her spirit that was speaking to me, passing along a message. I couldn’t help myself. Immediately I broke out in a big grin, said, “Hello Heather,” and heard her gently chide me for being so morose.

I recalled the image of Hummingbird in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, receiving her nourishing nectar from a bright red flower, her wings in stop motion, and the simple message that she was conveying: Cheer Up! It’s hard not to smile when encountering this tiny yet powerful being!
Here is the extended message from the guidebook that accompanies the cards:

There are days when you’ll find yourself in a bad mood or just feeling kind of cranky, and nothing seems to make you feel better. The first thing you should always do is check to see if you’re wearing your H.A.T. In other words, whether you’re Hungry, Angry, or Tired—H.A.T. If any of these are true, do what you can to take care of these first. Doing so will help you get out of a bad mood.

Get some good nutritious food if you’re hungry; talk to someone about your anger if that’s the case; or get some rest if you’re tired. Take care of what you need first, then try smiling a little bit and then focusing on all the good things that are in your life. It’s amazing how when you smile at others they usually will smile back with the both of you feeling a little bit better—and might even make you feel happy and cheerful! 

ACTIVITY

* Try a “Dolphin smile,” where you turn the outer edges of your lips up just a bit, stand up straight, and check out how you feel when you do.
* Whenever you’re feeling low be sure to take care of your H.A.T. first and then see how that affects your mood.
* Do something silly or goofy just for the fun of it.
* If you’re in a bad mood, talk with a family member or friend about what’s bugging you.

If you’re ever feeling low, sad, or depressed, first take Hummingbird’s advice and take care of yourself by eating, resting, or expressing your anger with words to someone who can simply listen. Then try this simple meditation. Close your eyes, feet flat on the floor, and breathe a little deeper and slower than you typically do. In your mind’s eye bring in an image of a hummingbird. Keep your breathing slow, deep, and steady. Simply observe this little being and see how it feels in your body.

If you want to take this a step further, you can ask Hummingbird spirit for advice. Once you’ve asked, pay attention to whatever happens after: what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. You’ll be delighted with the response you get!

Elephant Spirit

Note to Reader:  This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These columns will initially focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." —Michael Jordan

Elephant's Message: You Can Overcome Any Problem

The image of Elephant in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards shows a single elephant with a joyous look on her face. Her trunk is raised in a gesture of trumpeting, as if she'd just overcome some unseen adversity—which is the message of this particular card. Given that the elephant is the largest and one of the strongest land mammals walking on the Earth today, it's safe to say that there are few if any obstacles the elephant could not overcome! Given their size and bulk it's also no wonder that they have very few natural enemies.

It's inevitable that we all will confront obstacles in our lives, and an extra boost of encouragement can help us summon up enough courage and persistence to tackle them. We may even realize after surmounting these obstacles that they weren't as difficult as we had first imagined. How many times have we stretched ourselves to take on a task that was scary and in doing so increased our confidence?

Events such as the first day of school, moving, or things we want to achieve may all seem impossible when first considered. It's only later when we look back that we realize that in our life we have overcome many obstacles. In fact, you would not be who you are today if you had not encountered some difficulties and challenges that you successfully conquered through your determination.

As Elephant Spirit says in the guidebook accompanying the Children's Spirit Animal Cards:

I'm sure sometimes you feel like you're faced with what seems like insurmountable problems. You had some trouble in one of your subjects at school, one of your parents got upset with you, a friend you usually play with for some reason didn't want to hang out with you today, you've lost something and just can't seem to find it. Whether it's one particular problem or one of those times when it seems like nothing is going right, it can be quite overwhelming. When you're overwhelmed it's hard to think straight or figure out what to do.

So first thing is, pause for a few minutes, take some deep breaths, tell yourself, "I am relaxed" as you breathe. Remind yourself that most problems you face are not as big as you think they are, and that you have a number of resources that can help solve just about any problem.

The first resource to turn to are your parents and other trusted adults. If it helps to solve the problem, you can use the Internet and books to research ways other people have solved similar problems or specific steps to take to resolve the situation. But you must strongly believe that you can solve the problem. Just remember that you don't have to go it alone.

ACTIVITY

* When confronted with a difficult challenge, repeat the phrase, "I can do it!" several times and feel what happens in your body before and after.
* Find the good things that came out of facing and solving a problem and write one or two of those down in your journal.
* If you've tried solving the problem by yourself but haven't done so, before you give up completely, ask for advice or help from a relative or friend.

If you start to feel overwhelmed when faced with a difficult task, take a time out. Walk away from it, stretch your limbs, go outside, and as Elephant spirit said, breathe! Even a few minutes can make you feel refreshed and ready to face it again. Often what appear to be obstacles dissolve in the face of your resolve and determination. 

"Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome." Booker T. Washington

Elephant Spirit

Note to Reader:  This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These columns will initially focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.

"Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." —Michael Jordan

Elephant’s Message: You Can Overcome Any Problem

The image of Elephant in the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards shows a single elephant with a joyous look on her face. Her trunk is raised in a gesture of trumpeting, as if she’d just overcome some unseen adversity—which is the message of this particular card. Given that the elephant is the largest and one of the strongest land mammals walking on the Earth today, it’s safe to say that there are few if any obstacles the elephant could not overcome! Given their size and bulk it’s also no wonder that they have very few natural enemies.

It’s inevitable that we all will confront obstacles in our lives, and an extra boost of encouragement can help us summon up enough courage and persistence to tackle them. We may even realize after surmounting these obstacles that they weren’t as difficult as we had first imagined. How many times have we stretched ourselves to take on a task that was scary and in doing so increased our confidence?

Events such as the first day of school, moving, or things we want to achieve may all seem impossible when first considered. It’s only later when we look back that we realize that in our life we have overcome many obstacles. In fact, you would not be who you are today if you had not encountered some difficulties and challenges that you successfully conquered through your determination.

As Elephant Spirit says in the guidebook accompanying the Children’s Spirit Animal Cards:

I’m sure sometimes you feel like you’re faced with what seems like insurmountable problems. You had some trouble in one of your subjects at school, one of your parents got upset with you, a friend you usually play with for some reason didn’t want to hang out with you today, you’ve lost something and just can’t seem to find it. Whether it’s one particular problem or one of those times when it seems like nothing is going right, it can be quite overwhelming. When you’re overwhelmed it’s hard to think straight or figure out what to do.

So first thing is, pause for a few minutes, take some deep breaths, tell yourself, “I am relaxed” as you breathe. Remind yourself that most problems you face are not as big as you think they are, and that you have a number of resources that can help solve just about any problem.

The first resource to turn to are your parents and other trusted adults. If it helps to solve the problem, you can use the Internet and books to research ways other people have solved similar problems or specific steps to take to resolve the situation. But you must strongly believe that you can solve the problem. Just remember that you don’t have to go it alone.

ACTIVITY

* When confronted with a difficult challenge, repeat the phrase, “I can do it!” several times and feel what happens in your body before and after.
* Find the good things that came out of facing and solving a problem and write one or two of those down in your journal.
* If you’ve tried solving the problem by yourself but haven’t done so, before you give up completely, ask for advice or help from a relative or friend.

If you start to feel overwhelmed when faced with a difficult task, take a time out. Walk away from it, stretch your limbs, go outside, and as Elephant spirit said, breathe! Even a few minutes can make you feel refreshed and ready to face it again. Often what appear to be obstacles dissolve in the face of your resolve and determination. 

“Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome.” Booker T. Washington

Conscious Kids

Column #2

(This series will focus on how to encourage children to be more conscious and conscientious of the world around them, both the physical and the non-visible world of Spirit. These first few columns will focus on animal spirit guides found in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards, which are intended to help children understand the guidance that spirit animals can provide.)

SWAN SPIRIT

SWAN'S MESSAGE: You Are Beautiful Just as You Are

"Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart." —Kahlil Gibran

The image of Swan in the Children's Spirit Animal Cards gliding along the water so gracefully and peacefully immediately evokes a feeling of beauty in action. The message on the oracle card itself—"You are beautiful just as you are"—can serve as a reminder from Swan Spirit of the true meaning of what beauty is.
For any child (or any adult for that matter) there are undoubtedly periods where their self-esteem is being challenged. Whether due to dramatic changes taking place at the child's particular developmental stage, the karmic soul pattern they brought into the world, or that they're simply having a bad day, the cards can be a tool to provide guidance from spirit that can help provide better understanding and a new perspective on their feelings.

The collaboration between the child's subconscious need and Spirit's response through any of the twenty-four cards may result in Swan being the card that is chosen. The magic of these cards is in the way that the right message is typically delivered by the appropriate spirit animal at the right time. For instance, when the child draws Swan, they are encouraged to see the deeper beauty in themselves and in the world around them. And in fact, the child (or the parent on behalf of the child) can call on Swan spirit whenever they're feeling "ugly" in any way.

For the younger child the image itself may be just enough to lighten the mood, whereas the child who can read may choose to read the message on the card or continue on to the expanded reading in the guidebook. Parents can also support this message by joining in with their child as they work with the cards, as there is also a section in the accompanying guidebook that offers suggestions for parents. If their child is not yet reading, they may read the expanded message to them.
Here's expanded message from SWAN spirit from the guidebook:

There's a saying that says, "beauty is only skin deep"—which means it's just on the surface—but it really goes much deeper than that. No matter how you look, it's how you feel inside that really counts. There will be days that no matter what you do you will feel like the ugly duckling, but it's especially important on those days—as well as others—to let your spirit shine through like a light from inside. That way you bring this inner beauty out to the world.
One way to help your inner light shine is to be grateful for all that you have, while another is to compliment (or say nice things) to others. Try and make them smile. It will feel good to do so, and when you feel good, it's natural to shine. Others will be affected such that they will feel beautiful too! So simply know that you are beautiful just as you are, and in knowing and accepting that, there's great beauty.

In addition to the expanded reading for each spirit animal, along with the reading there are suggestions for activities that will reinforce the message itself. Here are the suggestions for Swan:

* Write in your journal about what special gifts or talents you have that you are proud of.
* Let your mother or father know at least two things that you like about yourself.
* Imagine there's a beautiful light inside you that sparkles even more when you smile and share that feeling with others.
* In your own mind or even out loud, repeat the phrase, "I am beautiful just as I am" a few times each day.
* Notice the beauty all around you, in other people, animals, plants, and other parts of Nature.

Although written with the child in mind, I'm sure all of us from time to time can benefit from this kind of perspective! Thank you, Swan spirit! Thank you Creator!

 

Children's Spirit Animal Cards

BLOGS based on Children's Spirit Animal Cards

(This is first in a series or blogs based on the Children's Spirit Animal Cards)

Although there's a plethora of various oracle cards available, the Children's Spirit Animal Cards are the first and only of their kind. The inception of this idea began with a conversation with Jesseca in mid-2009. We were looking through my Power Animal and Messages from Your Animal Spirit Guides oracle cards when she said, "I'd like to see something like this for children." Like all things that manifest, it starts with an idea. I'd even say this one was inspired.

So I took the idea to one publishing house, but since their children's products are few and far between and don't sell that well, they rejected the idea. One day I was talking with Karen Stuth, co-owner of Satiama, a fairly new resource for spiritual and metaphysical products and service, and mentioned the idea of children's spirit animal cards. She was enthused and immediately on board, delighted to have this be the first publication of this relatively new company.

From there, Jesseca and I had several discussions and brainstorming sessions. We realized that in the guidebook that would accompany the cards, it would be critical to have a section for parents so they can work with their children in using the cards. It was also important to recognize the purpose for doing these, which became evident. Almost all children love animals, so this would be a way to introduce children to the concept that sometimes these animals can serve as spirit guides to help them with guidance and support.

Karen helped us in our search for the perfect illustrator and after a few trials, found one in Pamela Anzalotti. The messages on the cards themselves are clear, simple, and straightforward, with elaboration in the guidebook for children who can read. We included activities that supported the message and as well, for the parent's section, activities they can do with or for their children that supported the message.

As Jesseca wrote in the parent's section:

 

In order to foster the imagination and creativity of the young child, it is important that they stay connected to the earth in order to maintain a grounded foundation. In addition, cultivating an intrinsic sense of intuition based on "gut" feelings is crucial in a world overloaded with information that more often adds to one's confusion than alleviates it. It is the intention of these cards to facilitate both a connection to the Earth and her elements and a connection to Spirit through intuition, imagination, reverence and ritual.

The evolution of human consciousness is showing up in the children that are being born and raised today and we can only imagine how this evolution will continue in the next several generations. Through the Children's Spirit Animal Cards we aim to foster and support these changes to allow children to "be" who they truly are and come to know a greater intimacy with the Earth and all her children.

 

 

Cartwheels and Drama

Cartwheels. All the time. She tries different variations of these cartwheels along with handstands and jumping from the couch, much to her mother's consternation, flipping over and landing on her feet. At least most of the time she lands on her feet, though she slips occasionally. Has a few bumps and bruises from her efforts. She once did 100 cartwheels in a row. I know. I counted.

I'm talking about my 6 year old stepdaughter and budding gymnast, Arianna Hope Camacho, Jesseca's youngest girl. She's a little tyke, full of energy, usually wakes up with a smile and always has something to say, even before we have had our morning coffee. Her energy astounds us and we're all thankful that she has the outlet of gymnastics and all of us—her father, stepmother, me and of course her mother—encourage her. She's enrolled in two gymnastic classes per week and I'm sure she'd do one every day if she could. She's a natural.

In addition she's been playing piano. Takes a bit for her to focus and she gets frustrated easily but stays with it and feels very proud when she can complete an assignment. Recently it was "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round."

Serena, my 8 year old stepdaughter, has an acting career ahead of her. Or perhaps a career as a director. She's taken two drama courses, each one ending with a performance. She was in "Alice In Wonderland" and just recently completed "Beauty and the Beast," and had a few roles in each of these. The teacher commented later that Serena would probably be a director because she seemed to know everyone's lines and where they were supposed to be on stage. She does have an amazing memory for details and is always curious about things, asking why things are the way they are and how things work.

Her other talent is art. She'd taken a few art classes and one of her pieces was chosen for an art show exhibited at one of the local major shopping malls. Quite an honor, and she was very humble about it. When I saw it at the show, a charcoal rendering, I was quite impressed and frankly a bit surprised at how good it was. It was beyond my expectations and truly deserved to be a part of that show. Serena has also taken to reading lately, enjoying the power of being able to decipher these symbols we call letters and words.

It's our intention with both girls to support their soul's path as it reveals itself. I've always taken to a book by James Hillman called The Soul's Code, wherein he uses the analogy of an acorn and an Oak tree, that the acorn has within its make up the blueprint for the mighty Oak. Although genetics and environmental factors certainly account for some of the influences, his premise is that the person's soul itself has an imprint, even to the point of making the choice of parent or parents that he or she will come through. He terms this a myth, describing it not as a truth or theory that has to be proven, but instead it's "a way of thinking or reflecting about life."

In an interview about the book, Hillman talks about how the soul "grows down": "The myth states the roots of the soul are in the heavens, and the human grows downward into life. A little child enters the world as a stranger, and brings a special gift into the world. The task of life is to grow down into this world. Little children are often slow to come down."

He further asserts that from this perspective, although the parents' roles are important, our primary instrument of fate is not our parent's. He states, "Of course, parents have a strong role. The myth itself says that the soul chose your particular parents, and so they are part of your destiny, whether you experienced a lack of parenting, peculiar parenting, single parenting, or adoptive parenting. But that's not the be-all and end-all of existence. We overload parents today, as if they owned and were totally responsible for their children's entire fates (italics mine) . . . It doesn't relieve them of responsibility, but it unburdens them of carrying the child's destiny."

Phew! I recall when I first read this a few years ago I felt relieved that in spite of my flawed parenting with my now older daughters, that they had their own destinies to fulfill and that I was an agent assigned to support those destinies. They are now beautiful adults, and I clearly see how they are honoring their soul's path. As I reflect on their childhood I can see in retrospect how they were moving towards who they are today.

With our children, in addition to meeting their basic needs, it's important to recognize that their souls in their "growing down" as Hillman describes it, carry the basic imprint of their destiny. We as parents can do our utmost to discern this and support it by offering our children opportunities that we surmise to in alignment with their unfoldment, whether its cartwheels or directing a play. In addition to meeting the child's basic needs as a fundamental purpose of parenting, we can look for the clues that tell us how we can nurture the gifts that the child has come into this world with. Not always an easy task, but when we accept that the child has their own unique path, it can help us know how to best nurture that path.

. . . and there goes Ari doing cartwheels and Serena giving directions. Obviously expressions that will continue to develop as these beautiful girls grow.