Mind knows to aspire for peace, samata, but at times I feel I am stuck. How to deal with this? For example, for someone who has tried their best to implement Integral Education, its principles of free progress all through have to enter into a non-progressive education system, forced to follow the unreasonable rules without even raising a WHY… feels choked. What to do???
My 15 year old questioning why the system is so rigid and tough? I’m telling her it’s an opportunity to grow. You will learn to deal with different kinds of people, you will walk through your anxieties, and you will grow. She feels conflicted. A long time back in one of our conversations, you did mention the struggle of the soul (this gen kids) that wants to reach a new world and pull away from the old world. She is going through it and fighting.
Yes, the times of transition are always tough and, as the saying goes, when the going gets tough, then the tough get going. Even otherwise, being 15 is itself challenging enough. One has to be supportive of these children and show them the way without canceling or invalidating their thoughts and feelings.
As to the school, they need to be explained that the school is a framework. The real learning is going on in the school of life. For example, one of the things that the Mother advices us is ‘to take pleasure in all we do but not to do anything for the sake of pleasure.’ She also advices us to learn to endure, to ‘have nerves of steel’. How else are we going to face and conquer the challenges of life?
It is good to question the system, but it is also important to understand the purpose it has served. We need to pass through the law before we can change the law. What your daughter needs right now is a good mentor whom she can trust and who can guide her rightly. Ask her if she is willing; she can write all her queries here directly. I will be happy to respond.
Affectionately,
Alok Da
