The Bowl of Light
Last weekend I attended a two day workshop entitled Improving Behaviour Through Expressive Methods with Dr. Joyce Mills.
As I find most often with good quality Professional Development, there are - in addition to opportunities to dig deeper with regard to conceptual understanding and/or practical application - multiple opportunities to be exposed to new concepts and/or strategies. Through the weekend I appreciated having time to not simply reflect/crystalize my understandings, but also to expand my knowledge base.
Day one of our workshop opened with a traditional Hawaiian story, The Bowl of Light. The basic premise is that each and every child is born with a perfect bowl of light. When showered with love and respect, the child will grow and feel invincible. Conversely, if the child experiences negativity, a stone is dropped into the bowl and the light is diminished. If this were to continue, the bowl of light will eventually be replaced with a bowl of stones. There is, however, hope. The child can take charge and by simply turning the bowl upside down, all the stones will be removed and light will return.
This was my first time hearing The Bowl of Light. I was enthralled by this story as it is both simple and profound. Is there someone you know who would benefit from hearing this traditional story?
Resources:
Mills, J.
Okri, B.
The Bowl of Light