HEALTH AND WELLBEING.

The Significance of Childhood. 

The pursuits of the mind have long been heralded since Descartes proclaimed, “I think therefore I am”. The glorification of the mind reduces the breadth of the human experience which at its essence is one that is inherently felt. This mind orientated view has penetrated through all of society through to its smallest members, children. Where in the presence of brain and body immaturity the felt experience of life is even more pronounced. Childhood represents a time of sensitivity and significance within one’s life. It is an impressionable and formative time, where events are felt more deeply, leaving lasting traces upon us. In approaching childhood development from a mind based perspective can overlook the resonance children require to meet their more than mind needs. Attunement is one of the definitive principles of childhood development, where children require their carers to be in non verbal, physical and emotional synchrony with them to feel nourished and supported.

Our children’s innate needs to be enveloped in love, compassion, to belonging, and know their worth- the emotional and mental scaffolds on which a life of inner richness and sustenance is built, become the reflective mirrors that test the degree to which we are able to access these qualities for ourselves. How often do we tend to pause to consider these qualities in our daily lives? Pausing to reflect and understand our own selves through the lens of the foundations of our own childhood can bring us forwards towards a life of more cohesion and completeness supporting the children near to us in the process.

7. March. 2024.