Being: Conscious, mortal existence; life.
Every month we welcome two families, two people, two voices to share their stories in whatever way they choose. We hope that you find joy in their daily lives, and their simple habit of just being.
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True beauty is measured from within, by how much we pour out.
Our media-laden world is often preoccupied by grandiose ideas of charity, but I confess that my own estimation of service is simpler and closer to home. For me, cultivating the innate sense of service young children shamelessly and boundlessly share with the world is nothing short of spectacular, and must be equally worthy of emulation as the donation of monetary sums by noted philanthropists. It’s the simple stuff that’s real, from-the-heart service.
While pondering this during the week, I set aside the multitudes of make-me-a-better-mommy-so-my-kids-will-grow-up-kind books that seem to have taken up permanent residence on my nightstand, and watch carefully how the selfless exuberance of childhood fills up the darkest corners of our home with light and love. Endless. I think to myself that it must be true- when we have no reason to doubt or dislike ourselves, or otherwise dim our own light, we begin to spill that love and gratitude outward.
As we let the (little) unencumbered souls around us teach in this way- as we serve others, do with others- we nourish ourselves and see clear the nature of what we are and what we are meant to do, in the spirit of service.
Today I share a simple handful of photographic moments from our week which speak to me about the simplest, unintentional, perfect moments of kindness I am sometimes too busy to see.
…my near two-year old helps her mama to make the coffee (photo via Instagram)…
…the simple bond of a before-breakfast game among siblings…
…masterpieces for a beloved auntie who lives away…
…communal joy as the younglings catapult, fearlessly, down the hill without regard for age or ability…
…the initiative to help Mama fold some laundry, even if she’s not sure how to do it just so…
…wrapped in his mama’s shawl, focused work on a soon-enough birthday gift for the youngest among us (wool angel pattern from Bella Luna Toys)…
…and my smallest helper, cutting potatoes for a stew to bring to a sick neighbor…
The true beauty of the service is the organic nature of it all. When we practice gratitude and service to others, just as the children do, we can fully achieve our purpose in life and realize our greatest happiness.
It’s all around us at every moment, we just have to remember to look.
This month we are so pleased to welcome Emily to the Being series here on the blog. Emily is a mama to three who blogs about her family’s journey along the path of slow and simple living on her blog, Simple Little Home. Welcome, Emily!
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Rhythm of the Home is an online magazine for families that focuses on creating with children, nature explorations, seasonal celebrations, conscious parenting, and mindfulness in all that we do. To learn more about us, please visit us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Twitter.
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{ 6 comments }
What a beautiful post!
Emily’s blog link doesn’t work, fyi! I’d love to add her to my reader!
what a beautiful post and such amazing photographs. it is truly amazing how giving our children are, all we need to do is pay attention.
You are so right, Emily. I remember that when my kids were young, I worried that we didn’t do enough volunteer work in the community. But really, when kids are young, the best place for them to learn to serve is right at home. There are so many more opportunities for kids to help in their own way, of their own volition, at home. The desire to serve out in the world follows naturally from that, as they get older. Thank you for sharing such an important insight!
Thank you for sharing your home and children. I try to be ever present in these moments of giving between my boys. How my oldest comforts my 3 month old when he is fussy and mamma is busy helping the 2 year old with something or making dinner. It warms my soul every time.
Beautiful post. It is natural for our children to want to help and give, we just need to allow them the space and time to do it.
Emily’s link is broken, trying to take a peek at her blog
Hi all,
Many thanks for the lovely feedback. For those who are wondering, my blog can be found at http://www.simplelittlehome.com
Cheers!
Emily
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