“Make The Ordinary Come Alive”
Do not ask your children
to strive for extraordinary lives.
Such striving may seem admirable,
but it is a way of foolishness.
Help them instead to find the wonder
and the marvel of an ordinary life.
Show them the joy of tasting
tomatoes, apples and pears.
Show them how to cry
when pets and people die.
Show them the infinite pleasure
in the touch of a hand.
And make the ordinary come alive for them.
The extraordinary will take care of itself.
William Martin, The Parent’s Tao Te Ching: Ancient Advice for Modern Parents
As the new school year starts, I am reminded of this as I see all these students, some with smiles and some with gloomy faces walking to local schools … So proud of them for putting on the masks and facing each day anew undeterred by the uncertainties adults are grappling with. Actually, many are suffering from inordinate amount of stress and anxieties so let’s support them through this difficult times – so together, we may grow resiliant and yet kind compassionate brave beings to change this world for the better.
I will be quoting another of my mom’s favorite saying tomorrow:)
