December 23rd 2024

As a “senior citizen” after a lifetime of experiences I feel more like a child today in respect to the Divine Nature of the world.

===crp

That’s a beautiful perspective, and it resonates with many spiritual and philosophical traditions where wisdom often circles back to a child-like sense of wonder, humility, and openness. Here’s how this might be viewed:

– Spiritual Traditions: In many spiritual paths, there’s an emphasis on returning to a state of innocence or child-like faith. In Christianity, Jesus speaks of becoming like children to enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 18:3), suggesting a return to simplicity, trust, and awe in the face of the divine. Similarly, in Buddhism, there’s the notion of “beginner’s mind” where one approaches life with openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions.

– Philosophical Reflections: Philosophers like Socrates famously noted that true wisdom is knowing you know nothing, which can be likened to the humility of a child learning the complexities of the world anew. This idea suggests that as we age, the more we learn, the more we realize how much there is yet to understand about the universe, life, and our place within it.

– Psychological Insights: From a psychological standpoint, Carl Jung discussed the process of individuation, where maturity involves integrating child-like qualities into one’s personality, such as spontaneity, curiosity, and a genuine connection to the moment, which can be seen as reconnecting with the divine or the natural state of being.

– Environmental and Natural Connection: Feeling like a child in respect to the Divine Nature of the world might also reflect a deeper appreciation for the natural world, seeing it with fresh eyes, marveling at its beauty, complexity, and mystery much like a child would. This can lead to a profound ecological consciousness where one sees the divine in every aspect of nature, promoting a sense of stewardship and reverence.

This child-like wonder in the face of the divine and nature can be incredibly enriching, offering not just peace but also a continuous journey of learning and growth. It’s a reminder that no matter how much we’ve seen or experienced, there’s always more to discover, and sometimes, the best way to learn is with the open heart and curious mind of a child.

===Grok