Here at Earth's Kids when we speak of a "firm
foundation of wellness" we mean far more than helping kids have
healthy bodies. We're actually talking about that broad, hard
to define type of well being that children experience when all of
their needs are being properly addressed. This encompasses
getting good nutrition, active play, and proper health care to be
sure. But it also means:
Receiving education that is
developmentally appropriate, that nourishes creativity and the
joy of learning.
Growing up with healthy limits and
boundaries -- and positive discipline techniques that nurture
confidence, self-esteem, compassion, responsibility, as well as
respect for oneself and others.
Feeling loved, and valued, and supported by
family and community. Experiencing a joyful and sustaining
sense of connection to the inner self, to other people, and to
all living things.
In short, when we speak of encouraging wellness,
we're talking about helping children get their basic physical, social,
intellectual, and spiritual needs met. Because as research
has shown, when children get these needs met, they are better able to
assert and follow their natural drives to learn, to create, and to care
-- about themselves and others. And they are less likely to
lose their way into drug addiction and other destructive problems.
But
take note, when we speak of wellness we also refer to something most
sociologists and psychologists don't consider -- our connection to our
higher power. It is our belief that each of us has a source
of inner guidance that can help us move forward, in a healthy and
creative direction, to tackle any problem we may have. Both as
individuals... and as a society.
We believe that now more than ever our children
need this. Our world needs this.
Perhaps it is time we stopped focusing on
religious differences, on trying to convert others to our own camp
(whatever that may be). And turn our attention to nourishing
our own personal relationship with our higher power, and to living our
lives based on the inspiration and guidance we receive.
"Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven
cannot heal."
-- Thomas Moore