In pursuit of Innocence

Every morning, after sporting my Nike shoes and Gym clothing, I knock my neighbor’s door as we get ready to go to the gym. Along with her, her 2 and a half year daughter by the name of Akshaya accompanies us for the “moral support”. Everyday, I see the innocence she wears along with her favorite pink dresses. It makes me wonder the magnitude of a child’s innocence in this wide world which has so many negatives. Yet for a child, it always remains a dream world from which they wish they would never wake up!

Have you watched a child play with a toy as if he or she could focus on the only thing in front of them? Their eyes open in marvel. Their brow crumpled in attentiveness. They are unaware to those around them; lost in their own world like a helium balloon floating in the sky. They teach us to enjoy liberty. Liberty of thoughts, Liberty of rightful actions, Liberty of living in a free world.

Have you watched a child tie his shoe for the first time? They are so conscious. They diligently keep at it despite their failures like a gymnast trying to learn a new move on the balance beam. They feel annoyance, may even express it, but they are agile, firm to finish their task. And the utter joy of triumph when they do! They teach us Faith. Faith and belief in ourselves which we, as adults so often fail to imbibe.

Have you watched a child meander around a new park for the first time? Their eyes filled with merriment at the possibilities. They might be diffident at first as they take in the new surroundings. But this only lasts for a few moments before they tear off into uncharted territory. They teach us courage. Courage to explore, discover and divulge into a new uncharted world full of new horizons.

There is so much to learn from children. Their thoughts. Their attitude towards life. Their honesty. Their purity. Their simplicity. You can learn many things from children. How much patience you have, for instance.

If only we could learn a little from them.