Mindful Monday: Children are Medicine for the Soul
Children are like medicine for the soul. They live closer to their essence—real, open, curious, unfiltered. Being around them has a way of softening us, grounding us, and bringing us back to what truly matters.
Last week, I took my great-niece, Maya—eight years old and full of life—shopping at the mall. It was her early Christmas gift, but more importantly, it was a chance for the two of us to have some one-on-one time. I always feel nourished after being with her.
From the moment she hopped into the car, the joy began. We sang songs, played “I Spy,” and talked about everything under the sun. Everything is exciting and fresh to her, and her enthusiasm is contagious. She told me about what she’s learning, what she’s creating, and what she’s dreaming about these days. Then she turned to me and asked, “What’s exciting you right now?”
Eight years old—genuinely curious about my life.
Maya and I share a love for meditation. When Maya was five, she instinctively started to find her own ways to self-regulate. When she needed time alone, she would go to her bedroom, make a circle of crystals on the floor, and sit in the middle and meditate.
Needless to say, she is my teacher in so many ways.
Maya meditating in her circle of crystals
Back to last week… :)
After finding the perfect outfit—which she twirled in and absolutely adored—we headed to get lunch when she suddenly gasped....
There he was: Santa Claus.
And not just any Santa… the real one, as she pointed out, because he had a real beard. Of course she sat with him, whispered her Christmas wish, and promised she’d leave carrots for the reindeer. She was glowing.
The joy.
The excitement.
The innocence.
The play.
These are qualities of our true nature—before the world layers over us with responsibilities, worries, and expectations.
Children remain connected to that spark. They remind us of who we really are underneath it all.
When I dropped Maya off and drove home, my heart felt full. Softer. Happier. More open.
She didn’t just receive an early Christmas gift that day.
She gave me one too.
The reminder to return...
To Presence.
To Wonder.
And to the simple truth of being alive.
With love,