Whether we teach our children this lesson in the context of organized religion or from our own sense of awe and perplexity, it is important that they understand that life is more than just the world as it affects them — life extends beyond us as individuals because it is an activity in which we all participate together.
This shared activity we call life is what connects us to others. Understanding our shared humanity and recognizing our interdependence softens the lines we draw between ourselves and others. As the lines blur we come to see that we are all responsible for each other and that just as suffering is part of our shared experience, so is the joy of giving and helping.
To foster in ourselves and our children a sense of interconnectedness with the world that gives rise to feelings of belonging and a desire to be of service, modeling through our own actions the joy of generosity and kindness.
Explore Your Own Feelings.
- Take some time to look within yourself and explore your own sense of the world and your place within it.
- Do you feel wonder and awe at our intricate, interconnected world?
- Do you feel a reverence for life?
- Do you feel that you are a part of something much larger than yourself?
The best way to impart these feelings to our children is to cultivate them in ourselves. I invite you to do so in whatever way is most appropriate—reconnecting with the faith of your childhood, exploring other religions and philosophies, or simply taking time out of the busyness of life to create some quiet space to explore what it means to be alive.
- Take advantage of quiet moments to share your exploration and your feelings with your children. The reward is not just what you cultivate in them, but also what your children will cultivate in you, particularly as they remind you of what it means to experience the world with innocent and open eyes.
Make kindness, generosity, and service a family practice.
There are many ways to do this. On a larger scale, you can become involved in community service efforts (secular or religious) and encourage your children to become involved, too — either by accompanying you or finding age-appropriate service activities of their own.
On a smaller but even more important scale, teach your children to watch for opportunities in everyday life to help others. They will learn for themselves that there is nothing more joyful or satisfying than knowing that a small act of consideration has made another person's life better and that there is no greater gift they can give to others than their kindness.