I recall in my youth that history wasn’t my favorite subject by any means. I guess I didn’t find it very interesting. Since then, however, I have changed my mind as I’ve gotten older, for having some indication of where we have been in the past gives us reason to understand why we are where we are today. So, do we need to give our children a proper accounting of our history in their educational process? We absolutely do. There are two reasons for this, and, by the way, these reasons still apply to us adults as we move forward in life. The first involves a full understanding of both our mistakes and successes in the past. This gives rise to the second reason, which is for us to understand our past as a foundation to the present. Although the past is indeed over, and it is our present moment that in fact holds the greatest value, we need to understand our present time period to be the place where we create the now as well as the future. It is our past that gives us a place to begin, for we need something of which to build upon. We also need to keep in mind that our history does not completely define our present reality. It is merely the part of our reality that defines our previous experience and, hopefully, indicates to us the wisdom we must apply to the present. In this way, we truly have an opportunity to honestly move forward into an even better future. The education of our children as it involves history, then, is of paramount importance, as it is they who will build this better future. Let’s take a look.
True Innocence
Our children are born into a state of vulnerability and naivety. This certainly has its challenges, of course, but it also provides for them an opportunity to learn anew in each moment. We must understand that our children are relatively free of the limitations, misconceptions, and misunderstandings we have placed on ourselves. Reality as they see it is completely open to the creative process itself. You can see the great opportunity we have to introduce to them new and better ways of human living. Honestly, rather than demand of them to view reality and what is possible in terms of change from our perspective, we could ask them to give theirs. We can let them decide what is best as it applies to them, and also how it could apply to us. Given the chance, our children are quite insightful, even at a very young age. Truly amazing! What we often forget is that our children are in fact a little closer and more in tune with higher spiritual values than we are. The cleavages in human thinking and limited ways of being have not had time to set in just yet! The very best way to educate them is to encourage and support their natural sense of openness and inclusiveness in all that they do. We always want to see them develop courage and willingness as they proceed in their learning, as this will be required for them to bring in the necessary changes to the world that they can and will make.
An Honest Depiction
If we are to take the proper approach in teaching humanity’s history, we must do so in an honest manner. An accurate assessment of our past is essential if we are to establish truth as a means for successful living. If we are unable to acknowledge the atrocities of which we were responsible, we will only increase the probability of these tragedies to reoccur. Children are strong and resilient, they can handle the truth of things much better than we could possibly know. What may be even more important to instill in them is the fervency of the human spirit all through the ages. We have learned, we have grown tremendously, and yes, we have indeed come a long way. This simple acknowledgement can only provide hope for our children to continue a necessary forward movement.
There are, unfortunately, those individuals and groups who wish to create an alternate reality or recreate the past to represent something other than what it was. The banning of books, the teaching of a reality that does not exist, is what they seek to impose. Other lifestyles, other religious belief systems, other types of sexual expression are unacceptable in their minds. An honest view of their behavior would indicate that it is they who are uncomfortable with diversity, not their children. To teach our children that they must live in fear and judgement may be the greatest cruelty of all. If we attempt to change actual reality into something we approve of, how will our children be able to survive, or accept what is? The best way to prepare our children for life and the world is to tell them the truth. We must teach them to love and include above all else. Living a life of illusion and separateness will most assuredly lead to pain and failure.
The New Generation
Each successive generation sees what needs to change. They are motivated by betterment and the desire to alleviate suffering. This is a good thing! If we had the answers, if we knew the best way, that would already be happening, would it not? Let’s go ahead and support their natural, inherent abilities as soon as they enter this world. We must be willing to stop our incessant need to project our own fears and hatreds upon them. Rather than poison their minds with our temporary lack of understanding, we can fully support the light and love that exists in them. Unfortunately, we tend to overemphasize the bad and undesirable conditions that are part of our current reality. If we could simply see the enormous potential of their hearts and minds, we could let them help us today. Their level of intelligence, and their capacity to love, far exceeds our own and must be given expression. It is their gift to us. It is, my friends, history in the making!
All my love and support, be well