Why a Deep Connection to Nature is so Vital For our Children

Guest article by Simon Paul Harrison

In a world of cell phones, computers and technology, our children have become increasingly separated from nature. With every step away from the earth a real sense of identity has been lost. Peace, joy, creativity, and a true sense of connection to all life have been eroded. In the place of these have risen fear, greed and violence. Away from nature, children have forgotten who they really are.

If we are to support our children in regaining what we know deep in our hearts is their birthright, to walk as one with life, we must start by re-connecting them with nature.

There are numerous studies showing that time in nature is good for our physical health, but that is not the full extent of the benefit. Arguably far more powerful is the connection with the flow of life that is nourished. With positive experiences close to nature, children no longer see themselves as separate individuals, all fighting against one another for their survival. They realize they are as connected to the trees as they are to their legs, as much a part of the oceans as their hair is to them. This is undoubtedly life changing, and it’s so wonderfully simple!

Nature is such a miraculous teacher for our children because she expects nothing from them. The river doesn’t expect them to think certain thoughts. The plants don’t expect them to say certain words. The mountains don’t expect them to act a certain way. And so nature reminds our children that they have always been free.

This is easy to forget because children become so rapidly heavy and burdened by all the expectations they take on from modern society. We force them to carry hundreds of beliefs, perceptions and judgments around with them that they forget their true, peaceful, connected nature. In particular we educate children to live the illusions that they must chase happiness, run after success, and compete against everything and everyone.

But when we support our children in stepping gently on the earth they find they can let go of all those illusions and plug themselves back in to the flow of life. Without all those expectations a shadow is lifted and they remember who they really are. There’s nothing to chase, nothing to run after, nothing to outcompete. They are perfect. Here, and now. Nature expects nothing from children, and so she gives everything.

We tend to think that the solutions to the challenges we have created for our children are terribly complicated. That it must require special technology, new drugs, different research, or more information. But time and again we see what simply being allowed to play in nature does for children. Through my work I’ve had the privilege of supporting thousands of children on the path to re-connecting with nature and I’ve seen the same things happen over and over again. Children know deep down who they are. They know they are peaceful, joyful, creative and deeply connected. That seed of re-connection is nourished perfectly by nature, and when it is, the blossoming of children is one of the most beautiful experiences to witness.

As adults we can all support this re-connection right now. Children don’t need the names of plants or facts about animals. They just need to be allowed to play, without the pressure of society wondering if their activity will help them get ahead, be successful, or help them pass exams. Their unburdened play in nature is already bringing them the ultimate success: The experience of walking as one with life. Peace, joy and creativity are with them every step of the way.

Simon Paul Harrison is the author of The Truly Alive Child and the founder of Wild Earth’s Children. For more information, free resources and to order your copy of the book, go to www.simonpaulharrison.com

Author Bio

Simon Paul Harrison is the author of The Truly Alive Child, a visionary and life-changing book, and the founder and director of Wild Earth's Children, a non-profit dedicated to re-connecting people to nature.

Simon began working with children as an elementary school teacher in his native England. Here the seeds were planted to seek a way to connect children with the flow of life and return children to experiences of deep peace and joy.

After a number of years he came to America to learn from world renowned nature teacher Tom Brown Jr. Simon fell in love with the natural world and never looked back. He has taught people how to re-connect with nature and a deeper sense of peace, joy and creativity all over North America, including Alaska, New England, and the Cree Nation in Quebec.

Simon felt the calling of his vision urging him westwards where he founded Wild Earth’s Children and wrote The Truly Alive Child. He lives in Colorado with his wife Katherine

Book Review ~ The Truly Alive Child For Those Who Seek A Grander Vision For Our Children

Divine intervention appears to have been running through author Simon Paul Harrison's veins as he wrote his book. The Truly Alive Child For Those Who Seek A Grander Vision For Our Children is full of so many simplistic, realistic tools and answers for the world to read. 


"An educational system isn't worth a great deal if it teaches young people how to make a living but doesn't teach them how to make a life" Author Unknown


It is perfect timing for such a book to be presented to our world at a time when our education system is at its worst.


"I would urge everyone who wishes to share their passions with children to explore or at least entertain the ideas that we each have a soul that is connected to all things. ~ Simon Paul Harrison ~ The Truly Alive Child




You want break downs? He's got them. You want answers? He's got them. From the soul, to parenting, to education, to nature, to love, to changing our reality for all our children's futures. If your looking to be inspired in your journey of child rearing this is definitely a must read!


"For example, if we want children to grow up experiencing deep peace, it really does not work to continually subject them to images of violence. I am simply making an observation of the outcomes that arise from certain choices and actions." ~ Simon Paul Harrison


Review By: Stacy Toten and Carol Lawrence


Win your very own copy of The Truly Alive Child! How? Sign up for our newsletter (sign up on the right side of page) Sign up for The Intentional Conscious Parenting newsletter and receive 10 Tips For Parenting Consciously for free. The winner of The Truly Alive Child will be picked using Random.org on July 31st. 

Parenting With Nonviolent Communication Helpful Video

CNVC Certified NVC Trainer Inbal Kashtan discusses and demonstrates how to work with the incessant "no" from a child.

It is so important for parents to understand how to communicate nonviolently and how to demonstrate in front of their children how they deal with conflict with out violence. 

Children become emotionally abused when they are exposed to ongoing aggression and violent communication. If you are unsure how to handle a situation calmly thinking it through before reacting and are temperamental please reach out for appropriate help. 

Visit The Center for Nonviolent Communication 

Or send us an email and we can recommend some counselors that specifically work with parents. intunedparenting@gmail.com

Play! Play! Play! Get out and play with your kids.

Greater Good Science Center's Dr. Christine Carter tells us about the power of play.

Calling All Parents~Ignite The Light Event With Vicki Savini

Calling All Parents! Have you heard about Vicki Savini's free online event? 


Ignite the Light: Creating Strong Foundations for Children and Adults
Vicki Savini Live Online Event

Date: June 26, 2012, 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Pacific Time
Sponsored by: Hay House
Format: Live Online Event

VICKI SAVINI
Hay House Radio Sign Up Here
http://www.hayhouse.com/event_details.php?event_id=1741&utm_id=4497VS
Have you ever taken the time to look at how your childhood affects the current life you lead today?  Let’s face it, when children are born, no one is given a manual that describes how to teach them to navigate the waters of life successfully. We simply do the best we can, to teach our children well, based on the tools we acquired from our own experiences. At the ripe ‘ole age of five, our children go to school and are given tools to be academically successful, but they are not likely to get tools to help them to honor the light within, which is certainly the most important lesson in life. What if, as parents and teachers, we were given tools to teach our children how to shine that light within and be true to themselves, not only today, but in their future? What if those same tools could also help YOU to ignite your own light? Whether your childhood was horrific, picture perfect, or something in between, your childhood was your foundation, and it’s simply too precious to ignore! If we want to create positive changes in our world, we need to begin by creating solid foundations for our youth. In the process, you are sure to repair and strengthen your own foundation. In this timeless Live Online Event, Vicki Savini will educate, enlighten, and empower you to create strong foundations for our children and strengthen and repair your own foundation so that you can be your absolute best! Vicki is a mindful mother and teacher who educates, enlightens, and empowers children and adults to be their absolute best. She teaches ‘out of the box’ strategies in the public school system. Vicki is a life coach, an author, and a dynamic inspirational speaker who has touched countless lives with her simple, yet divinely inspired life strategies. She was a Speak, Write & Promote: Movers & Shakers Conference attendee, who was chosen to bring her very important message to you, through Hay House. During this 90 minute event you will… Learn the importance of childhood as our foundation in life. Understand the essentials of building strong foundations for our children. Embrace simple tools to repair and strengthen your own foundation. Be empowered to reveal your true self and guide children to always shine the light within! Pause for a moment (or perhaps 90 minutes) and take the time to find your true reflection by honoring the child within and pledging to educate, enlighten, and empower the children in your life. Take this step with me to Ignite the Light! Please Note: Hay House is bringing this special live online event to you for free! If you can’t make the live event, it will be for sale in our on demand library the following week.

Yvonne Perry Has A Brand New Book Out!

In her latest book, Shifting into Purer Consciousness ~ Integrating Spiritual Transformation with the Human Experience, author Yvonne Perry shares how she has integrated the accelerated frequencies of several quantum leaps she has taken on her spiritual path. Once she learned to manage the human experience of rapid spiritual transformation, she became active in working to anchor her light body and offering coaching to help others on their journey. You may learn more about Yvonne and her book at http://shiftingintopurerconsciousness.com.

Here is the back cover blurb for this amazing, life-changing book:

Do you feel like a misfit in your own life and body? Maybe you awoke from a strange dream too vivid not to be real. Have you survived a near-death experience, had an out-of-body occurrence, or dissociative episode? Others may have noticed how you’ve changed and say, “You act like a totally different person.” Inwardly, you may be confused, overly sensitive, or so anxious it feels as though your nervous system has been hooked to an electric power line.

What if a multidimensional form of yourself—from a realm of purer consciousness—would arrive to guide you through the challenging times we are facing? Perhaps your soul has already received a download from an ascended master. Might that explain the sudden changes you’ve experienced?

You may be one of the millions of people who are spiritually growing faster than your body can tolerate. What you are experiencing is a normal response known as ascension symptoms. Regardless of what has happened, you may need help integrating these higher frequencies that are now available to you.

Follow along on Yvonne Perry's Virtual Blog Tour.

Here is the tour schedule for Shifting into Purer Consciousness:

On Monday, June 18, Shelly Wilson (@consciousjourny on Twitter) will host the tour stop on her blog, Journey into Consciousness, with an article: “Embracing Divine Feminine Energy.”

On Tuesday, June 19, Pat Bertram will share a Q&A written interview with the author on Dragon My Feet blog: http://dragonmyfeet.wordpress.com

On Wednesday, June 20, Shelly Wilson will host Yvonne as a guest on Journey to Consciousness Radio Show: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/journeyintoconsciousness .

On Thursday, June 21,   Barbara Techel (@joyfulpaws) shares a video clip and her book review for Shifting into Purer Consciousness on her blog: http://joyfulpaws.com.

On Friday, June 22, Carol Lawrence (@intuneparenting) hosts the tour on Social Media Help 4 U with an article titled “How Human Energy Affects the Earth.”

On Saturday, June 23, Janet Riehl (@riehlife) shares a video on her blog, Riehl Life.

On Sunday, June 24, Carl Bozeman (@CarlBozeman) opens the blog door at Spiritual Intuitionwhere he shares his book review for Shifting into Purer Consciousness.               

On Monday, June 25, Doreen Pendgracs (Twitter: @wizardofwords) will share an article about how Yvonne published her book. See Wizard of Words:http://doreenisthewizardofwords.blogspot.com

On Tuesday, June 26, Karen Gonzalez (@FolkheartPress) will present “Why Yvonne Wrote the Book” on her blog, http://folkheartpressblog.blogspot.com

On Wednesday, June 27, Denise Demaras (@ddemaras) will share her review of Shifting into Purer Consciousness on her blog, Works in Process: http://blog.denisedemaras.com

On Thursday, June 28, Alpha Chick Mal Duane (@alphachickbook) will share an article titled “Signs Indicating a Spiritual Awakening” on http://alphachick.com/blog

On Friday, June 29, Lisa Molinelli (@bluedragonfly8) shares an article: “How to Shed Personal and Collective Structures and Belief Systems That No Longer Support the Highest Good of Humanity” on her blog, Empowering Minds.

On Saturday, June 30, Dr. Caron Goode (@Iamheartwise) shares a media release and an excerpt from the book on Live-Spirit.                              

On Sunday, July 01, Maxine Thompson (@Safari61751) will post her review of the book on her blog, http://www.maxinethompsonbooks.com. She will also host Yvonne on Dr. Maxine Show.                                                     

On Monday, July 02, Irene Conlan (@ieconlan) will host Yvonne Perry on The Self Improvement Blog by presenting a review of Shifting into Purer Consciousness.

On Tuesday, July 03, Lynn Serafinn (Twitter IDs: @LynnSerafinn @SpiritAuthors and @GardenOfTheSoul) will interview Yvonne on Garden of the Soul Radio. She will also share her Q&A written interview.  See http://lynnserafinn.com/ for details.

On Wednesday, July 04, Shelagh Jones (@SpiritusShelagh) runs an article in Spiritus Spiritual Marketing Directory about how Yvonne published her book.

On Thursday, July 05, Callie Carling (@moonpoppy) will share an article: “How to shed personal and collective structures and belief systems that no longer support the highest good of humanity.” Her blog is http://createavity.com/musings.

Conscious Conception By Kathy Parra

Photo courtesy of http://www.johannas-art.com

Can we hear our children before birth? Many wonder whether it is possible to hear there unborn child before actual conception, the answer is yes we can and do hear our children before conception, before we conceive we can feel their physical presence, perhaps in the subtle wind, the smell of a flower, images come forth in your minds eye, perhaps a fleeting moment of a child’s name, a dream, or the passing of a loved one, perhaps an angelic intercession with spirit guides, fairies, totem animals, receiving messages as to when to conceive, the date, time and month to act upon conceiving, often the child will let us know what to eat, what music to listen to, what books to read, the list is abundant of the communication that children clearly share with us prior to conception. Now some might say this is our own sixth sense kicking in, yes it is, because it is normal, natural and innate for us as parents to hear from our souls connection to and from to that which brings forth this life. This is true too whether you are wishing to adopt a child as well, this child’s soul knows where it is to be.

All of this is done so with our conscious conception of the idea/thought that yes we can connect with our unborn child.  Just for a moment imagine the mere thought of this magnificence, take a split second in time and wonder what if every child were to be conceived in this way, what if each child were of conscious conception, how many times have you come across someone sharing the child was a surprise or an accident. A surprise is something you obtain when you don’t know what your receiving, and an accident is something that happens when it is unexpected, lack of intention or by chance, none of which seem to describe the coming of new life. I promise you I am here to do no harm or offend anyone, I am merely sharing/suggesting that we as a universal whole perhaps consider the idea of bringing forth new life in this way of conscious conception. How do we create a sacred place for him/her to evolve into form? Having experienced this with all my children these are a few things that ensued for me, and I am sure for you as you explore conscious conception.

First, Listen: Listen to your own intuition

How to Protect Your Children From Cyberbullies

Bullying is a growing epidemic in today’s world and has now surfaced through the internet as well. This has become so prevalent that it is now better known as cyberbullying. More than 50 percent of kids have revealed that they have been bullied through some sort of virtual platform.  Believe it or not, almost all the children that experienced cyberbullying never told their parents. Because kids are connected today in so many different ways to the internet, it’s important that we keep them safe. What do you do about this? Talk to your kids. Be involved with your kids. Set (internet) limits with your kids. Below are some ways you can protect your kids from cyberbullying that have worked for my family.

Talks

Just like any relationship, it’s good to have open and honest communication with your children. Talk to them about the seriousness of cyberbullying. Tell them you know what it is and want them to tell you if it happens to them. Tell them that it can be stopped, and that you will never judge them, no matter what has taken place, to help them get this resolved.

Furthermore, you must explicitly tell your kids that harassing others is not right and explain to them what cyberbullying is. Cyberbullying can be threats or remarks sent through the internet by ANY source (facebook, twitter, message boards, email, etc), usually for other people to see. Anything they say that is hurtful to others can be considered cyberbullying. Naturally, your child could very well be a bully and not even know it. Protect your children from cyberbullying and protect them from doing it themselves. Both are your responsibility.

Involvement

An interview with children's author Kathy Parra.

After reviewing Kathy Parra's new children's book, Love Is The Color Of A Rainbow. We knew we had to interview Kathy and share her with all of you. You are going to love her. She's down to earth and speaks from her heart.

Kathy Parra, or Kap, by her nickname, loves gardening, talking with nature, especially with dolphins, vegan cooking and baking, bike riding, and skipping for joy where she lives in Mesa, Arizona with her partner Tony and their 3 girls.

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: What made you pick a blind child for your main character? Do you have experience working with the blind?

Kathy Parra: When I was in sixth grade the teacher asked if anyone wanted to assist with the special needs students, I raised my hand and said, “Pick me!” I was paired up with many children but one in particular who we will call Willow, Willow explained to me that she had been blind since birth, each day I went in there to assist her with her Braille reading, which I might add she so wanted me to learn, but I never did. She would sit flitting her tiny fingers over the bumps in the thin translucent paper at rapid speed and I would pencil scratch my stories just at furiously, one day she asked me “what are you writing?” I told her I like to write stories about nature, she asked me to read them to her, she would delight in my story making and I would delight in her listening, we spent many a lunch hour eating peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as I read my nature stories.
One day out of the blue Willow took out her pear from her lunch bag, and said “I wish I knew what my pear looked like” “Kathy” she asked “what does a pear look like?” I started with well it’s green on the outside; she said, “what does green look like?” I knew then and there I was to take her in nature to share what the pear looked like, so I took her under a beautiful mulberry tree on the schoolyard as she stood under the tree I took her hand and let her feel the green leaves I said these are leaves and they are green and it is the same color as the outside of the pear, she said oh it is smooth-warm, then I ran her hand over the branch to which would be the sense of the stem of the pear, I said this is the stem and it is a brownish green, oh she said this too feels smooth yet strong, yes-yes! I was excited that she was associating the feel-sense of what I was sharing in a feeling sense, putting feelings to the colors, then I took her to the sand box and ran her fingers through the sand, I said the inside of the pear, it a soft white color yet as you bite into the pear there is just a bit of grit, she ran her fingers through the sand, then taking a bite of pear, she said oh it feels like life, like it has energy, when I feel the sand and then bite the pear I feel life-energy! Needless to say Willow quickly began to associate most everything in her daily life with a feeling for a color, she even made up her own colors! Willow often told me I was like a lot of colors put together, saying that all those colors were love. In that short amount of time that we spent together I was grateful for her friendship and she for mine, I think we both knew it was transient and as they say a reason- season or a lifetime. I had never had “experience” with blind children, but since then as an adult have assisted with Special Olympics only one other time.

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: Do you have any children and were they an inspiration for your book?

Kathy Parra: Yes, I have three children - all girls! And they are 21-17 and 13. Yes, they were an inspiration to and for me and continue to be so; they have been my greatest teachers! I am honored and blessed to be in the presence of such wisdom! Namaste!

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: How long did it take you to write Love is the Color of a Rainbow?

Kathy Parra: Well, the actual writing of Rainbow only took me 30 minutes, but the journey to publish it took 10 years, perhaps more if you count from sixth grade. Ha…

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: Any advice for other children's authors?

Kathy Parra: Have fun, if you have something you are passionate about share it-be it-love it-nurture it-nourish it and allow it to bloom as it wishes, don’t try too hard or force the book to bloom, it will all blossom when the flower is ready to “be”…

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: Are you writing another children's book anytime soon?

Kathy Parra: YES! I have dozens in the works. Many are already written, but as far as soon in publishing, one never knows, but yes for sure another children’s book, a few in particular, but I am allowing them to bloom and blossom as they wish to. I am currently enjoying sharing Rainbow and I really want to soak it all in, relish in the journey. I also want to start a Sensory Garden based on the book, intention has been put forth, seed planted and is “being” watered and nourished, waiting for the seed to emerge until blossom. I am also working on another book for all children of the world whether new to the earth or have been with the earth for many moons, it is titled One Love, surrounding the aspects of dolphins/whales and their presence in and of healing to and for us all! A short synopsis will be shared on http://www.intentionalconsciousparenting.com on May 16th, 2012.

Carol Lawrence and Stacy Toten: Have you always wanted to write a children's book? Has this been a life long dream of yours?

CALL of the DOLPHINS~One woman's healing journey with the dolphins.

Original version was published by OCEAN Magazine, in which Diane Buccheri is the publisher and also the publisher of Love Is The Color Of A Rainbow. Dolphins are like a best friend in which they will always be there for you no matter what! ~ Kathy Parra

CALL of the DOLPHINS 
by Kathy Parra
I sat in solitude for several months asking why. I did not share my pain with anyone. 
One night while lying in bed my body felt light. Light illuminated from the corner of my eye, a sense of complete peace came over my mind, body, and soul and I drifted off to sleep. That night I dreamed of dolphins. I considered it a lovely dream, and left it at that. That next day I went to see my hairdresser friend. He sensed my imminent concern yet, “Hey, what’s up with you? You look different.” I sat there and started to pour my heart out to him just like all people do with their hairdressers.

Approaching thirty, I, like many other mothers, so very much wanted to start my family, but somewhere something was not right with my body. I, like some women, could not conceive. I went to my physician and he ran a series of tests, which concluded I had endometriosis. “What is that?” I inquired. Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus, the endometrial stroma and glands which should only be located inside the uterus, is found elsewhere in the body. 
“So what does that mean?” I asked him, “And how do we cure it?” 
“There is no cure and most likely you will not be able to bear children because of the severity.” 
I was taken aback and said I would like to get another opinion, and so I did. The second physician said the same thing. I could not stop there. I went to a third physician who said, “You know you really need to think about not having children. It is never going to happen for you Kathy. For some people it is just not in their cards.” 
“That’s absurd Kathy, of course you will have children,” my hairdresser responded. “Look here at this article. People are healing today from all kinds of alternative healing methods. I just read about people swimming with dolphins in the Florida Keys to receive healing.” 
My first thought was my dream. “I dreamed of dolphins last night.” 

Great parenting conversation about teaching children about law of attraction, universal laws and feelings.

Check out these new conversations from our parenting community

From the Beginning . . . Hi, glad to be starting this conversation and I hope some of you jump right in with your thoughts.  I'm reasonably new to this site and so glad I found like-minded people to share with :-) I chose this group because the 'law of attraction' or similarly,'cause and effect' is something that I... read more... Powered by BlogFrog

10 Reasons Thunderstorms Are So Scary to Kids

Thunderstorms can be scary and fun at the same time. Living in a canyon allows us to experience very loud storms as they roll through, quite often in the middle of the night. 

"I personally love the energy that comes with storms and find myself in a state of gratitude for the rain, the cleansing, and purging that takes place in the area the storm is rolling through." ~ Carol

One thing we've found is children and pets will often react depending on how we react. 

Excitement or fear is contagious. Children and animals will feel/read your energy and react accordingly. Demonstrate how to stay calm and supportive. 

Here are some of the reasons kids are afraid during thunderstorms.