Watkins Glen State Park is a worthwhile destination for a morning or afternoon hike in good weather, especially after rainstorms or snow melt.
This video and poem arose, observing the paths of the little bubbles, when the author realized that some of the bubbles had split from the main stream for destinations and routes of their own, at least for a time, until inevitably they would rejoin the stream. We all can observe this and apply it as a metaphor for our own life journeys.
"Flow" captures the essence of the learning and growth work of the center the author leads. Without sound, the video can stand alone as a visual meditation.
Flow
In which direction does water flow?
A river goes from high to low!
Calmly traveling little clusters of bubbles ...
Is the flow as it seems, without troubles?
Observe: see how all the water moves.
And your life — only predictable grooves?
Always in the stream with everyone?
Or detours here and there for meaning, or fun?
With the greater drift, or another course?
Against the tow, gently — or with force?
For awhile, small eddies quietly swirl, if not forever:
To rebel, to grow, to pause our endeavor.
Others tootle along, perhaps mindless, perhaps at peace.
Perhaps not everyone, though the flow does not cease.
James, Life Educator
Sometimes a soothing, calming, or focusing interlude is needed in a young child's day, whether it is a quiet time, rest, or sleep. When silence is not working or environmental noise is a distraction, music can be our option.
We might find some dull, made-for-children, simplistic instrumentals or song selections, which may work out well enough. Or we can honor the complexity and sophistication of the young people in our care and offer them something more. We can also avoid the ponderous, deadeningly earnest attempts to relentlessly educate young children at all times with misguided, trendy compilations of classical music that supposedly improve their minds.
The selections in this Lullaby Playlist have compositions, singing, and arrangements that may be of more interest to at least some young people, music that is not patronizing, manipulative, or childish. Only vocal music is included, because song is often the first caregiver-child music and the voice, along with rhythmic motor activity, is the child's own beginning musical exploration.
Some households will have internet-connected, audio-only electronics with good sound available in the child's space. If any "screen" is used (phone, tablet, laptop), the "blue light" emitted can disrupt sleeping patterns, so night settings or turning off the screen would be needed. These are not videos that need the visual to be experienced, although during a quiet time of play, the visuals might offer some reality and even some inspiration. Thus, where possible, children's choirs, from around the world, are featured. Because good choral singing does require certain skills, these choristers have grown beyond early childhood.
Of course, the care-giver and child can be co-collaborators in creating a playlist like this. Even infants will signal, through body language , movements, and vocalizations, what they like and do not like. This playlist, therefore, can be just a starting point on a musical adventure.
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