schooling from the stillness

Friends
We do not make our friends, we find them only
Where they have waited for us for many years;
One day we wander forth when feeling lonely
And lo! a comrade at our side appears.
'tis not discovery, 'tis recognition~
A smile, a glance, and then we grasp a hand~
No explanation needed, no condition
That we are friends is all we understand

These past few weeks (and maybe even longer) have been quite challenging on this subject of friends.
Many events have led to deep contemplation on what I might need and what I'd like to teach my children about what friends are all about.
The first lesson which has come from pain and sadness is, be true to yourself.
Both Morgan and I have been faced with this Maya, illusion, so it seems, of how our actions(or in actions) have been perceived. This is a tricky spot. It is important for me to look at myself (not always an easy thing to do) and thus, teaching my children to look at their part in any drama. With kids, it is not easy to get the whole story. Knowing this, it can be challenging to accept another parents account of what their child said or perceived to be "the truth" or to be right on.
I really am not too interested in getting into details on this. I was about to, but it feels like re-opening a can of worms that has already started composting the scraps.  With that said, time heals. And so does acceptance. And in this case, it is acceptance of allowing all that has happened, to just be what it is.
A big part of homeschooling encompasses the desire to protect our children. I think this is a fairly accurate assumption when it comes to the majority of homeschoolers I have encountered. Part of the challenge with this protecting is being fearful when they get hurt. In this recent case, emotionally. And, well, it just brings me back to letting go and moving forward. Relationships change. When they change, we change. What is wrong with that? We grow, we learn about ourselves and others. There are certain behaviors that we just do not tolerate anymore. Maybe within ourselves... time to change our own behaviors, work on paying closer attention and being more diligent in being present. With ourselves and with each other. And, maybe we let go of the old relationship that is not aiding us in a positive way. 

"A friend suggests, wisely, that the hokey-pokey may be what it's all about, but only if you really DO turn yourself around." - John Perry Barlow

 

"... we must undergo metamorphosis, transform our consciousness into new and different forms." - Rudolf Steiner

Drama... our culture is addicted to drama. When we do not engage in the drama, it can be perceived in many ways.  It really is silly to attempt to know what is going on for other people. It's not my job to try to figure out what they think or if they are even thinking anything. Why,... that is just too much thinking!
And so, another lesson, stay still. Still in mind, still in heart... allow the world to reflect back with the utmost clarity, when we are still. There is no need for judgement. That just brings pain. It is not my business to know what and how others may be judging me or my children. If at all.......
And so, We just move forward. Attempting to better ourselves and trust in the true friends we have and that more will come when we are ready.

"When human beings meet together seeking the spirit with unity of purpose then they will also find their way to each other ..." - Rudolf Steiner 

I guess this has taken up much of my mental space. The stories we have been reading for school, with Morgan, have been helpful in ushering Morgan into the nine year change. With that comes some of this insecurity she has expressed throughout these past weeks. The bible stories, read as stories and not doctrine, can do as much healing as any myth when presented without judgement. And now we are moving forward in our house building block. Building our metaphoric houses also, those that house us, our spirit, our true being. Time to get building something spectacular.....