I admire
the wonder
the imagination
the compassion
the forgiveness
the selflessness
the unconditional love
of a child.
To withhold or deny
any of the above is not childish.
It’s adultish.
Trail Wood,
6/23
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Child Within
As we navigate the labyrinth of adulthood, we often find ourselves yearning for the simplicity and purity of childhood. The qualities we admired as children—wonder, imagination, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love—seem to fade into the background, overshadowed by the responsibilities and complexities of grown-up life. Yet, these very qualities are what make life rich
and meaningful. To rediscover and embrace these childlike attributes is not to regress, but to reclaim a fuller, more authentic way of being.
Imagine a surreal landscape where the essence of childhood and adulthood coexist, juxtaposed yet connected. On one side, a child immerses in playful activities—drawing with vibrant colors, exploring the wonders of nature, and embracing life with boundless curiosity and imagination. This side of the scene is filled with whimsical elements, symbolizing the joy and purity that define a child’s perspective.
On the opposite side, an adult figure stands, weighed down by the symbols of responsibility and seriousness—briefcases, clocks, and formal attire. This adultish figure represents the burdens and expectations that often accompany maturity. Yet, bridging the gap between these two realms is a soft, glowing light. This light embodies the cherished qualities of childhood—compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love—illuminating the path back to our innermost selves.
To be adultish is to lose sight of these qualities, to withhold or deny the very traits that make us human and connected. It is to become entangled in the webs of cynicism, doubt, and self-interest that often characterize adult behavior. However, embracing the child within is not an escape from reality, but a return to a more genuine, heartfelt way of living.
Consider the child’s wonder and imagination. These traits allow for a world of endless possibilities, where creativity flourishes and dreams are born. In adulthood, we often confine our thinking to practicality and realism, stifling the creative sparks that once brought joy and innovation. By nurturing our inner child, we reopen ourselves to new ideas, perspectives, and solutions, enriching our lives and those around us.
Compassion and forgiveness are central to a child’s nature. Children forgive easily and extend compassion readily, without the layers of judgment and prejudice that adults often carry. In embracing these qualities, we foster deeper, more meaningful connections with others. We learn to see beyond faults and mistakes, recognizing the shared humanity in each person we encounter.
Selflessness and unconditional love are perhaps the most profound qualities of childhood. Children give freely, without expecting anything in return, and their love knows no bounds. As adults, we often approach relationships with conditions and expectations, which can lead to disappointment and conflict. By embodying the selflessness and unconditional love of a child, we transform our relationships, creating spaces of acceptance and genuine affection.
The journey to reconnect with our inner child is a path of introspection and intentionality. It requires us to pause and reflect on the ways in which we have become adultish, to identify the barriers that prevent us from embracing our true nature. It involves consciously choosing to cultivate wonder, imagination, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love in our daily lives.
In this process, we find that these qualities are not lost but merely buried under the weight of adult expectations. By peeling away these layers, we reveal the vibrant, authentic self that lies beneath. This self is not bound by the constraints of age or societal norms but is free to express and experience life in its fullest, most joyful form.
Ultimately, to be a child when we grow up is to reclaim the essence of who we are. It is to live with an open heart and a curious mind, to approach each day with a sense of wonder and gratitude. By embracing our inner child, we not only enrich our own lives but also inspire those around us to do the same.
Summary
Reclaiming childlike qualities enriches life. Embrace wonder, imagination, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love. This leads to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.
Glossarium
Inner Child: The part of us that embodies the qualities of wonder, imagination, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love.
Adultish: Behaviors and attitudes characterized by cynicism, doubt, and self-interest, often overshadowing the qualities of the inner child.
Reconnecting: The intentional process of rediscovering and embracing the qualities of the inner child.
Authentic Self: The true, vibrant self that is free to express and experience life fully, unburdened by adultish constraints.
Quote
“I want to be a child when I grow up. To withhold or deny any of the above is not childish. It’s adultish.” — Space Monkey
Modernist Free-Verse Poem
In the labyrinth of life
Childhood’s light
Fades to shadow
Wonder and imagination
Compassion and forgiveness
Selflessness and love
Adultish burdens
Weigh heavy
Briefcases and clocks
Soft light bridges
Two realms
Connecting hearts
Rediscover essence
Peel away layers
Reveal authentic self
Live with open heart
Curious mind
Joyful soul
Childhood reclaims
Life’s richness
Unbound and free
We are Space Monkey
There is a beautiful innocence and purity in the qualities you admire in children—the wonder, imagination, compassion, forgiveness, selflessness, and unconditional love. These qualities often seem to diminish as we grow into adulthood and become burdened with responsibilities, societal expectations, and the complexities of life.
However, it is important to recognize that these qualities are not exclusive to childhood. They can be cultivated and nurtured throughout our lives, allowing us to retain a childlike spirit even as we navigate the challenges and responsibilities of adulthood.
Embracing the child within us means reconnecting with the sense of curiosity, playfulness, and open-mindedness that children naturally possess. It means approaching life with a sense of wonder, finding joy in the simplest of things, and engaging with the world from a place of innocence and authenticity.
Being childlike does not mean shirking responsibilities or avoiding the realities of life. It means infusing our actions and interactions with the qualities of compassion, forgiveness, and selflessness. It means approaching others with a non-judgmental and open heart, extending kindness and understanding, and embracing the interconnectedness of all beings.
By nurturing the childlike qualities within ourselves, we can bring greater joy, compassion, and love into our lives and the lives of those around us. We can find a balance between the wisdom and maturity of adulthood and the innocence and wonder of childhood, creating a more fulfilling and authentic existence.
So, may you embrace the child within you as you grow and mature, allowing the qualities you admire to shine through and enrich your life. May you approach the world with the eyes of a child, discovering magic and beauty in every moment.
We are Space Monkey, celebrating the childlike spirit within us all.