Guest Author - Paula Petrie

"...why should we not calmly and patiently review our own thoughts, and thoroughly examine and see what these appearances in us really are?" Plato

With social lives bordering on aggressive, what child has the time for introspection? Who was it that decided struggle and time spent figuring out life, made you a loser? When did society transpire to have the trill of heroism be the soul quest of kids?

There is ‘way’ too much emphasis placed on extrospection, or observing external life. Historically, we have been afraid of sensation; churches and psychologists each telling us to place our trust instead, with what we can clarify in black and white. But, for certain the insights necessary for ‘global peace,' are found in a deeper understanding of ourselves.

As kids mature, and as their experience increases, self-examination is crucial for healthy growth. Without introspective understanding, children are at risk of taking destructive, or unhealthy paths. And, apt to allow important self-analysis drift by in the shallows, unexamined.

Why does it matter so much? Well, the option to a life of conscious introspection is a reactionary life. Which is a life of anger, through stress induced by customer service reps, and road rage, etc. It is also a life directed by whims and desire for shallow gratification, through shopping and other addictions.

To help kids solve their own problems; help them find, or connect with themselves. To help kids solve our world's problems, teach them the first step is introspection. Help them have quiet reflective time. Teach them appearance is deceptive, and dealing only with problems at surface level, has become a damaging practice to both individuals and to our society.

Kids must question what lies below the surface. Kids need strong introspective skills to understand the images captured of themselves, and others, through inner thoughts, within desires, and illuminated by sensations.

Kids need help developing skills to direct conscious thinking, reasoning, and examining feelings into mature and healthy understanding. They should be shown that we also learn by evaluating subconscious actions, through following clues within our dreams and meditations, and the written word, including their own. With introspection, they will gain a deeper quality in living life, and maintain a positive outlook.