Energy Goes Where Attention Flows (The Cycle of Life from a Child's Point of View)
When I woke up today, I never expected to be faced with having to share the concept of the cycle of life with my children. However, that's exactly how the Universe decided for my day to unfold.
Our beta fish, Colorado Blue, expired today. I know, I know...it's a fish, right? I guess, but to my little 4-year-old
daughter, "he" was her beloved friend. Colorado Blue had come into our lives when we first moved to Colorado two years ago. (Ironic, that now we are leaving Colorado, Colorado Blue left us...makes you think, huh?) Anyway, last night I was faced with telling my children what had happened. My two older children (ages 6 and 7) took the news well. In fact, they both surprised be by their responses. "Mom, it was time for Colorado Blue to apply his purpose in Heaven now. We'll miss him tons but we now his spirit is still with us." (Truly, I was blown away. I sometimes wonder if my children understand what I teach, but now I was certain that they do much more than understand it. They live it!)
Bailey Blu, my-4-year-old, was not as resilient. She cried in my arms for over two hours.
In graduate school, I studied Death and Dying as part of the Human Services field, but that was not were I drew my insight tonight. No, I drew my insights from a place where I knew my daughter would connect - my spirit and my energy (and my other 2 kiddos). I explained to her that CB's time with us doesn't end because he isn't in our fish tank. It was his time to apply his purpose in heaven, but we would still have the opportunity to "feel" his energy by appreciating the joy he brought. (And, yes, I do still realize this is a beta fish, but to a child, it is so much more.)
Shortly after I said that, Bailey asked if CB's energy would come back to his body. "No, sweetie, but it could come back in another way. Perhaps a flower, a ladybug or maybe even another fish."
And, then she said something so far beyond her years, "Mom, if Colorado Blue's energy is around us, will I be able to focus on it to send it to California. If I think happy thoughts about Colorado Blue will God send his energy to find me in California? Maybe God will send Colorado Blue back as a yellow fish...you know that's my favorite color?" I stared at here for a bit, and I said, "Yellow fish or not, I think that is exactly how the energy you need throughout your life will always find you."
It was such a powerful moment as she was grasping the concept of energy goes where attention flows.
Afterwards we drew some pictures and wrote notes as a family to pay tribute to our fallen fish. And, now, here I site wondering why I'm even writing this post. I guess I'm looking for a way to express my gratitude for the unexpected in all cycles of life. So, with that, thank you, Universe, for the unexpected. And, thank you for the wisdom to unfold my life in a manner that will always serve my greatest purpose.
With love, inspiration and imagination,
Julie
Our beta fish, Colorado Blue, expired today. I know, I know...it's a fish, right? I guess, but to my little 4-year-old
daughter, "he" was her beloved friend. Colorado Blue had come into our lives when we first moved to Colorado two years ago. (Ironic, that now we are leaving Colorado, Colorado Blue left us...makes you think, huh?) Anyway, last night I was faced with telling my children what had happened. My two older children (ages 6 and 7) took the news well. In fact, they both surprised be by their responses. "Mom, it was time for Colorado Blue to apply his purpose in Heaven now. We'll miss him tons but we now his spirit is still with us." (Truly, I was blown away. I sometimes wonder if my children understand what I teach, but now I was certain that they do much more than understand it. They live it!)Bailey Blu, my-4-year-old, was not as resilient. She cried in my arms for over two hours.
In graduate school, I studied Death and Dying as part of the Human Services field, but that was not were I drew my insight tonight. No, I drew my insights from a place where I knew my daughter would connect - my spirit and my energy (and my other 2 kiddos). I explained to her that CB's time with us doesn't end because he isn't in our fish tank. It was his time to apply his purpose in heaven, but we would still have the opportunity to "feel" his energy by appreciating the joy he brought. (And, yes, I do still realize this is a beta fish, but to a child, it is so much more.)
Shortly after I said that, Bailey asked if CB's energy would come back to his body. "No, sweetie, but it could come back in another way. Perhaps a flower, a ladybug or maybe even another fish."
And, then she said something so far beyond her years, "Mom, if Colorado Blue's energy is around us, will I be able to focus on it to send it to California. If I think happy thoughts about Colorado Blue will God send his energy to find me in California? Maybe God will send Colorado Blue back as a yellow fish...you know that's my favorite color?" I stared at here for a bit, and I said, "Yellow fish or not, I think that is exactly how the energy you need throughout your life will always find you."
It was such a powerful moment as she was grasping the concept of energy goes where attention flows.
Afterwards we drew some pictures and wrote notes as a family to pay tribute to our fallen fish. And, now, here I site wondering why I'm even writing this post. I guess I'm looking for a way to express my gratitude for the unexpected in all cycles of life. So, with that, thank you, Universe, for the unexpected. And, thank you for the wisdom to unfold my life in a manner that will always serve my greatest purpose.
With love, inspiration and imagination,
Julie
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