The other day I was playing with my nephew who is 14 months old. I watched as he went from playing with building blocks to little farm animals to anything and everything. Construction. Destruction. Repeat. It was really magnificent to try to see the world through his eyes, and even more interesting, to observe what was coming up in me as he played.
One year ago I battled cancer, and when the chemo didn’t work and went home to my one year old son. Suddenly something shifted in me and I realized I had a choice. I could either choose to lean into the fear of the what ifs of the future and let the cancer eat me alive, drown in the disappointment of the past, or choose to be here right now as I watched my son play so freely, so present in the moment. In that moment I choice to play and found myself seeing life in a way I hadn’t seen before (or rather not in a very long time). My 1 year old was not only my teacher on how to experience life, he was my healer. 2 months later I was in remission. I’m now writing an album about it called Journey to Rebirth so that I can share this story with the world, how choosing play and presence saved my life.
Wow!! what a journey and a story. You must share that with the world. I can see and feel how much of a weight it is to resist being with the world and making everything an outcome driven activity that is tied to a result. I think often about the impact on our bodies and minds. Really appreciate you sharing Layla!
I love this so much! I was a public school teacher of elementary-aged children for 30 years; for seven years - right in the middle - I was privileged to be able to study the Reggio-Emilia approach to teaching and learning. That changed the way I see life - the importance of observing, of listening carefully, of ridding myself of judgement (working on that - especially within myself), the importance of play, of interacting with nature, of taking in the gifts that this Universe provides to anyone ready and willing. I wish I could say that I’d lived a more fulfilling personal life up to this point; I guess the best is on its way so I am preparing still🤷🏼♀️ Thank you for the work you do in trying to help grown people figure ourselves out❤️
Thank you so much. I recommend you look into RIE AND @janetlansbury I believe it will resonate and be useful. Emphasizes respect, observation, and understanding how we often interrupt out babies…well meaning… but missing the mark✌🏽😉❤️.
I love these lessons from a toddler! I work with over 100 kindergarten educators and hope that it’s ok if I read this to them when the year starts for them - I will absolutely acknowledge the source as your writing. It beautifully captures the essence of being with the world x
One year ago I battled cancer, and when the chemo didn’t work and went home to my one year old son. Suddenly something shifted in me and I realized I had a choice. I could either choose to lean into the fear of the what ifs of the future and let the cancer eat me alive, drown in the disappointment of the past, or choose to be here right now as I watched my son play so freely, so present in the moment. In that moment I choice to play and found myself seeing life in a way I hadn’t seen before (or rather not in a very long time). My 1 year old was not only my teacher on how to experience life, he was my healer. 2 months later I was in remission. I’m now writing an album about it called Journey to Rebirth so that I can share this story with the world, how choosing play and presence saved my life.
Wow!! what a journey and a story. You must share that with the world. I can see and feel how much of a weight it is to resist being with the world and making everything an outcome driven activity that is tied to a result. I think often about the impact on our bodies and minds. Really appreciate you sharing Layla!
I love this so much! I was a public school teacher of elementary-aged children for 30 years; for seven years - right in the middle - I was privileged to be able to study the Reggio-Emilia approach to teaching and learning. That changed the way I see life - the importance of observing, of listening carefully, of ridding myself of judgement (working on that - especially within myself), the importance of play, of interacting with nature, of taking in the gifts that this Universe provides to anyone ready and willing. I wish I could say that I’d lived a more fulfilling personal life up to this point; I guess the best is on its way so I am preparing still🤷🏼♀️ Thank you for the work you do in trying to help grown people figure ourselves out❤️
I'll have to look up that approach! It sounds fascinating and totally in alignment! Thanks for sharing Julie!
Thank you so much. I recommend you look into RIE AND @janetlansbury I believe it will resonate and be useful. Emphasizes respect, observation, and understanding how we often interrupt out babies…well meaning… but missing the mark✌🏽😉❤️.
I love these lessons from a toddler! I work with over 100 kindergarten educators and hope that it’s ok if I read this to them when the year starts for them - I will absolutely acknowledge the source as your writing. It beautifully captures the essence of being with the world x
Of course! Please share :) Thank you so much for sharing it! I really appreciate it!