However our independent thought is what defines an awakened soul – that being our thoughts have been awakened beyond our previous limitations. We are seeing the illusion of our reality.
In times such as these, we must nourish independent thought beyond all else or we will lose it, especially in our children who need to continue on the journey in shaping the next phase in our reality.
We must never lose sight of the fact that children are influenced from birth onwards to think and behave a certain way by all our institutions and also by parents who can have been susceptible to society programming.
Children are taught to memorize and repeat and then are continually rewarded for their efforts in compliance to this method. However once we awaken and realise that all answers are simply a consensus reality (answers that have been agreed upon by the ‘majority’), then we open our minds to new possibilities which may expand our TRUE human potential.
Considering the importance of reaching new levels of human potential, here are five wonderful ways that we can encourage more independent thinking from our children:
1. Respect a child’s concentrated thought.
Whenever a person is in deep contemplation and concentration – they are in the zone. They are connected to all that is. This zone is where we can gain information and solutions to our problems.
When we create a habit respecting each other and our children while deep in thought by giving space without interruption – we are teaching children by example that we value the connection they have and will wait patiently for them to return to present.
It is subtle message to them about how important this connection, contemplation and answer seeking really is.
2. Give your children a chance to find their own answers
Start asking them thoughtful questions about the world. Let them think about it, give them time to contemplate an answer (perhaps days) and then bring it up again to encourage them to find the answer. This encourages patience and acceptance that solutions will pop in at the right time rather than looking them up.
3. Encourage debates and presentations
It is very healthy to share different perspectives and open up to a new possibility or way of thinking. It helps us all grow when we share ideas. Provide opportunities for your children to debate during disagreements or stage a real debate on topics that interest them. Then they have to think and shape their position which is a crucial skill in independent thinking.
4. Help children look for flaws in societies concrete answers.
A child has a question, we can answer it by telling them what society agrees the answer is. However ask your child what they think about the answer and whether there may be problems with that answer. Ask them to identify a flaw of alternate viewpoint and talk about it openly together.
5. Explain the importance of thought to your children as they grow.
Teach your children that their thoughts have an impact on their experience as thoughts manifest their reality and experience. If they dwell too much in negative thought and negative emotion, then they will attract less appealing experiences. If they spend more time engaging in positive thinking and gratitude, they will attract more uplifting experiences.
Try introducing the 17 second rule – think one intentional positive thought for 17 seconds and then another of likeness will come in, think on that thought for 17 seconds and then another will pop in and as you do this, you will raise your vibration at the same time.
Children need to understand that we value their thinking and encourage it. You don’t have to homeschool to do these basic things, just incorporate it in everyday family life. Your child will most likely thank you for it when they become fully prepared to make wise decisions in a chaotic changing world.
