Sunday, February 9, 2020

There is a yin in every yang but can you see it?

A new cycle down through the eternal spiral of the Zodiac Calendar has begun. However, the beginning of this Year of the Rat has failed to remind us of that first celebratory moment when Rat, “a long, long time ago”, leaped off Ox's back and took first place in the Great Race. Somehow, we are all feeling more like the Cat that, though once being a Rat's best friend, was pushed off the back of the Ox and into the heavy current life's river. 

The threat of the Corona Virus has certainly shifted everyone's plans of travel and play. Nonetheless, as a father, I reflect back on the last 3 weeks of holidays and allow myself to see the Yin in the Yang. I can't remember the last time we spent so much quality family time together at home. We have started and finished books we are reading as a family. We have pulled out board game favorites that we haven't used in a long time, as well as learning to play a couple of new ones. We have enjoyed nights of story around a fire and also, cuddled up in a new room in our home we designed just for song and story. Oh and the cooking! I can't forget the cooking. So many new dishes! Gosh, I wish there was more time during the year to slow down and enjoy cooking more meals for the family. 

Our kids, are aware of the virus, but their innocence and playful spirits have not been affected by it. This is our duty as parents and teachers. Through difficult times, keep an even keel. I am reminded of my all time favorite film by Italian Director Roberto Benigni, La Vita รจ Bella, in which a Jewish family is forced to survive through the terrible tribulations of the German concentration camps during WWII. The father and hero of the film, Guido Orefice, goes through an infinite amount of effort to shelter his son from the horrors they were undertaking by turning everything into play. If you have not yet seen the film, make sure to put your kids to bed early and cuddle up with your spouse for this inspiring film of superb parenting. In the meantime remember: There is a yin to every yang...even during these times of Coronoa virus threat. The question is: Can you see it? As parents, one of our many duties is to create magical times for our children, no matter the circumstances. Stay informed, stay safe but don't forget to savor the moment by exalting the Yin in the Yang. 


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