Children’s Inner Self & Bullying
We can prevent our children from being bullied by helping them realize their worth and power by turning inward.
Like adults, children form beliefs about their worth and strength based on their experience. The Inner Self then uses these beliefs as the pattern for the manifestation of the child’s life. As children grow up, they look for their parents’ loving affirmation to help them build a strong self image, and to develop their mastery in relationships with peers and in other areas of their lives.
When parents are stressed, however, and feel victimized by many forces they feel unable to control, it can be very difficult for them to create the peaceful, loving environment that is so necessary for the development of a child’s self esteem and confidence. Children are sensitive to parents’ fears and they can easily feel threatened as a result, concluding that their world isn’t a safe place.
In their confusion about the nature and source of the perceived threat, they may even decide that they are somehow to blame for the insecurity and unhappiness around them. If these ideas are strong enough to become part of the child’s beliefs, their resulting experience with peers will reflect these expectations, and leave them vulnerable to being bullied or to bullying others.
When we give our children opportunities to turn inward and re-connect with the loving resources of the Inner Self, they will be reassured of their value and goodness and reminded of their strength. This awareness creates personal beliefs in peace and safety that promote happy and successful relationships with others, and can protect them from victimization or the need to victimize others.
There are many simple ways both parents and teachers can create opportunities for children to learn about and experience the wonder of their relationship with the Inner Self. There are excellent relaxation and meditation exercises available for children. Yoga, too, deepens the connection within for children, just as it does for adults.
The Land of Love is a wonderful tool for relaxation and healing, and it can be used at home or in the classroom.
Whatever method is used, children readily accept the invitation to focus inward, perhaps sensing, intuitively, the natural and enjoyable experience that awaits them. In spite of the simplicity of this approach, its potential to fulfill deep wishes for safety and nurturing make it an invaluable antidote for the problem of bullying.
