So come with me, where dreams are born, and time is never planned. Just think of happy things, and your heart will fly on wings, forever, in Never Never Land!
In philosophy class my teacher once quoted that to truly live with presence, you must act with the seriousness of a child at play. Analyzing this further, I sympathized. A child is born with unfathomable curiosity and wonder, not to mention genuine appreciation for the world around it. I also characterize this with the song, "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Anne Womack. I am capable of seeing, unfortunately, that a person's character is almost fully affected by socialization not only by society and its pressures (i.e. peer pressure, prejudice) but also by parents. One of the most interesting first moments I had in that same philosophy class is this scenario my teacher created:
He said, "If you have the pleasure of knowing a child that is two years old or less, listen to the questions they ask. Say one were to ask their parent, 'What is green?' Now suppose the parent turns to the wall of their living room, which is painted green, and point. 'That is green.' It is clear that the adult is able to comprehend that it is not the WALL that is green, but the color itself. They couldn't very well point at a color, so the translation is up to the child and will inevitably lead to more questions."
This scenario both amused and enthralled me very much, so much so that I took a moment to close my eyes and smile at simple recollections of coloring a cow purple as a child. Thankfully, the beauty of art is that I had no art teacher at my shoulder, criticizing my choice to color. Art isn't about the normal black and white terms, it is about the freedom of exploration and experimentation. The same can be said of philosophy and questions. True, sometimes the questions that have no solid answer or foundation may be challenged, but the beauty of the human mind is we have the ability to ponder, to analyze, and most of all to dream and imagine.
Over time socialization has created a predictable path: birth, school, college/ career, marriage, offspring, and helping that offspring continue the process as you live out the rest of your days. Fortunately (and especially in America) we possess the right to be individuals, so every life is important and has a unique story to share.
I have always loved stories, and I suppose that is why I find the tale of Peter Pan so down-right enchanting. It is not enough to say that you've seen the Disney film, and even taking a look into the life of author J.M. Barrie through the movie Finding Neverland is not satisfiable. Upon finishing the original work, my thoughts were so happy I could have ascended into the heavens and laughed with the stars. I feel such a deep connection with both the story and the author (the original Peter Pan) because for as long as I can remember my personality has adapted a childlike exterior. It's not only a matter of "looking young", it's a matter of despite growing up I still hold on to my inner child. I ask questions, my enthusiasm is not bottled, and like a child I am enormously optimistic while I remain in-the-moment. I love to dream towards the future, but I do not over fantasize or stress. I especially do not strain or wallow in the past, unless I'm reflecting on happy memories that I'm enjoying so much that I must squeeze every bit of ecstasy from them before I continue with my usual day-to-day.
Nevertheless, I implore anyone who stumbles upon this to read the original work of Peter Pan by dearest J.M. Barrie. I am confident that even if you do not it is a timeless tale that will last forever in the hearts of children (yes, even that faint sparkle in most adults will keep it alive as long as they remain innocent). Otherwise hold on to childishness, it's all in good fun and will only prove good for you.
My window will remain open for him and his adventures.
You too, Tink.
He said, "If you have the pleasure of knowing a child that is two years old or less, listen to the questions they ask. Say one were to ask their parent, 'What is green?' Now suppose the parent turns to the wall of their living room, which is painted green, and point. 'That is green.' It is clear that the adult is able to comprehend that it is not the WALL that is green, but the color itself. They couldn't very well point at a color, so the translation is up to the child and will inevitably lead to more questions."
This scenario both amused and enthralled me very much, so much so that I took a moment to close my eyes and smile at simple recollections of coloring a cow purple as a child. Thankfully, the beauty of art is that I had no art teacher at my shoulder, criticizing my choice to color. Art isn't about the normal black and white terms, it is about the freedom of exploration and experimentation. The same can be said of philosophy and questions. True, sometimes the questions that have no solid answer or foundation may be challenged, but the beauty of the human mind is we have the ability to ponder, to analyze, and most of all to dream and imagine.
Over time socialization has created a predictable path: birth, school, college/ career, marriage, offspring, and helping that offspring continue the process as you live out the rest of your days. Fortunately (and especially in America) we possess the right to be individuals, so every life is important and has a unique story to share.
I have always loved stories, and I suppose that is why I find the tale of Peter Pan so down-right enchanting. It is not enough to say that you've seen the Disney film, and even taking a look into the life of author J.M. Barrie through the movie Finding Neverland is not satisfiable. Upon finishing the original work, my thoughts were so happy I could have ascended into the heavens and laughed with the stars. I feel such a deep connection with both the story and the author (the original Peter Pan) because for as long as I can remember my personality has adapted a childlike exterior. It's not only a matter of "looking young", it's a matter of despite growing up I still hold on to my inner child. I ask questions, my enthusiasm is not bottled, and like a child I am enormously optimistic while I remain in-the-moment. I love to dream towards the future, but I do not over fantasize or stress. I especially do not strain or wallow in the past, unless I'm reflecting on happy memories that I'm enjoying so much that I must squeeze every bit of ecstasy from them before I continue with my usual day-to-day.
Nevertheless, I implore anyone who stumbles upon this to read the original work of Peter Pan by dearest J.M. Barrie. I am confident that even if you do not it is a timeless tale that will last forever in the hearts of children (yes, even that faint sparkle in most adults will keep it alive as long as they remain innocent). Otherwise hold on to childishness, it's all in good fun and will only prove good for you.
My window will remain open for him and his adventures.
You too, Tink.
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