Back to school for the last few weeks has been a mixed experience. I love the joy and enthusiasm of the children; even when it's 32ºC (nearly 90ºF) in the sandpit and we're almost melting... but I do miss my garden time, my just sitting reading time, my contemplation time. As I was rushing this morning there was a wonderful huge slug sliding on the path after the rain last night, and another hibiscus is out. Still, tomorrow, I will present the children with an introduction to the industrious and crowded 'life of honey bees', drawing a parallel with the need for them to work hard and strive to be productive members of a society.
But I will also mention the importance of stillness, idleness, reflection time, and daydreaming.
Preferably outside.
Luckily the children I work with come generally from television-free homes, but the lack of self-sufficiency among many young people concerns me. They seem so dependent upon some form or other of provided entertainment... so easily distracted from concentrating and thinking for themselves...so material.
"I would rather sit on a pumpkin and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion" - Thoreau
