I'm hugely aware that children all over the world are transitioning next steps every single day! Exam results have landed here in the UK and my hope is that not one child has allowed their future to be determined by the outcome of these results. However, sadly it will and I'm sure I don't need to repeat to some but others need to hear this NOW! No matter what your results are, you learned something right? If you took away judgement from others, pleasing others, and comparing oneself to another we'd at least be open to seeing ourselves for the special beings we are who are so so capable.
I'm hearing some children are unable to face returning to school from the Summer break, unable to even talk about the situation, and beginning to refuse it's even going to happen.
I'd like to share a moment I shared with a home-schooling student today, in a moment of transition as they have officially stopped school but with an open mind to next steps. We meet once a month and I meet them where they are at. I see how my enquiring questions land, I gently guide tasks and then set them free into the task, with no rules, no expectations, no intended outcomes, and certainly no grading system! What is beautiful in this moment of freedom is how a task is tackled. I notice, and expand upon what I see.
All of my work are tiny little invitations and today I asked the child to select a wooden hanging decoration in the shape of a leaf. To some, all of the decorations may be the same but I know for children the choice is based on a feeling. Which one feels right to them. I love handing choices like this over to them. I invite them to decorate it, I see an archipelago of colours smudging together. I comment on the bright colours. They respond saying they sometimes like to go dark with very little colour. I respond with 'it's a bit like life, light and shade'. They expand and add the veins of the leaf. I observe and story tell, about how it's added strength to the design, just as resilience does for us. On the flip side they opt for different colours and acknowledge that however they feel they have a side they can flick it to.
My next invitation is to open my 'Shine' bag, a mustard yellow velvet zip bag with embroidered butterflies, flowers, and stars. I ask them to reach for what they are attracted to. They ask 'how many?' I say as many as feels right. They immediately tune into the sense of sight and touch as they feel into the Rose Quartz, a shell, a Fluorite wand, a prism, but it's the large world map marble that captivates. I ask if there are countries that stand out and we explore Europe, and Asia. I expand upon the stories, what feelings and colours come forth. The more the words and expressions flow the closer I get to identifying Aromatherapy oils to match the memories. We step outside together continuing to explore colour into aroma, as we create a palette for the day we move towards creating products. A beautiful blend is created of Camellia with notes of May Chang (we have fun with the Latin name - Litsea Cubeba!) synergised with Elemi & Grapefruit, perfect for the individual to explore in the coming weeks. There are deeper emotions going on inside the individual, they too come forward into the space that's filled with freedom and no judgement.
This example shows that we can take a moment of transition into one of wonder and expansiveness, trusting intuition to guide towards what feels right and I invite you to trust it! This exploration does not require any grades, qualifications, or titles.
If you are an individual exploring parts of life solo, have a friend by your side, or a family member trying to reach you tune into your senses, find a comfortable moment that feels safe to expand at your pace.
A note to the receiver, listen, hold space, be inquisitive, be open and patient, with no expectation nor judgement. You will come away with a sense of deep learning and respect.
