The Power of Being Childlike

Ageless Wisdom That Keeps Us?Young

Even though I’m now the guy people call “Sir,” and my head is mostly bald, and the world sees me as old, I play often. I feel young at heart.?

By the end of this article, I hope readers will become more aware of their inner child. That’s the part of us that loves to play eternally, even though it’s easy to forget.

When We Were?Children

What are some of your best early childhood memories? For me, it was exploring the woods, swimming in lakes, fishing, skiing, playing tennis, and making jokes that would help people laugh.

As kids, we played. We imagined. We had lots of fun. We could paint, dance, sing, and pretend to make cookies from mud balls. Sure, in our sadder, darker moments, we cry, throw temper tantrums, and tell the people around us that their toys are “mine.” But kids get over stuff faster than grownups.?

As children, we mostly lived detached from outcomes and got over our fits fast. As we age, we tend to hang onto our baggage and attach our egos to the material and psychic things that drag us down. That’s one source of the tug of sadness or depression we feel and too often, drug and ignore.

After the?Fall

When we first fell into this world, none of us knew we were a different being from our mothers until our self-view began to emerge. At first, we learned to drink milk, eat food, play, crawl, dance, draw, and more. Over time, the playfulness got programmed out of us.

In short, we forget what it was like to be a child, even though it wasn’t always easy. We become critical parents, adults, and children. Worst of all, we become overly critical of ourselves.

Reconnecting With the Inner?Child

Suppose you’ve lost your childlike innocence, wonder, curiosity, and playfulness. In that case, let’s explore ageless wisdom that encourages us to embrace our inner child and the profound impact this can have on our lives.

1. “Become Like Little Children”?—?The Christian Way

In the Christian faith, Jesus Christ famously said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3, NIV). This profound statement isn’t just about faith; it’s about approaching life with a child’s sense of wonder, curiosity, and openness. Prejudices and limitations unburden children; they see the world with fresh eyes. Embracing this perspective can lead to a more fulfilling life filled with endless possibilities and joy.

2. “Shoshin”?—?A Zen Buddhist Concept

“Shoshin” is a term from Zen Buddhism meaning “beginner’s mind.” It refers to an openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, much like a child learning something new. Adopting a beginner’s mind daily encourages continuous learning and growth. It reminds us that there is always something new to discover, and each moment is a chance to see the world in a new light.

3. “Playfulness of the Divine”?—?Hinduism Perspective

In Hinduism, the concept of “Lila” refers to the divine play of the gods, particularly the playful nature of Lord Krishna. Lila teaches us that life itself can be a joyful expression of play. Engaging in our daily activities with a playful spirit can transform mundane tasks into sources of joy and creativity.

4. “The Nature of Being Childlike”?—?Taoist Point of View

Taoism, an ancient Chinese philosophy, values simplicity and naturalness, qualities often seen in children. The Tao Te Ching suggests that by emulating a child’s untainted and spontaneous nature, we align ourselves more closely with the Tao or the natural way of the universe. This alignment can lead to a harmonious and balanced life.

The truth is, when we were young, life seemed practically effortless. Then, school happened, and the social programming kicked in. Some of us take a lifetime to overcome our conditioning, which partly explains why I shun all dogmatic thinking of all religions.

5. 无为, Wu Wei?—?A Chinese Way of Being

Children live almost effortlessly. Wu wei is a great way to live as we age. Wu wei is an ancient Chinese concept meaning “inexertion,” “inaction,” or “effortless action.”?

Our play seemed effortless as children until we grew up and learned to be adults. We somehow believe that fighting for what we want and believe is the way to go.?

We embrace scarcity more than abundance, and that sucks the life out of us faster than we know.

Life Application for Being More Childlike

If you’d like to have more fun in the business of life, it’s up to you to make better choices. Cultivating your awareness of who you are is one of the keys to waking up and changing yourself.

Here are a few practical ways to start tuning in to your inner child, waking up, and loving life as much as you did when you were a child.

1. Embracing curiosity. Approach new situations and challenges with a child’s curiosity. This mindset can lead to creative solutions and a deeper understanding of the world.
2. Cultivating joy in simple pleasures. Tend your garden by improving your self-awareness. Children find happiness in the simplest things and seek joy in everyday moments. This can increase our overall happiness and satisfaction in life.
3. Practicing the gift of presence. The present is the gift we ignore at great cost. We didn’t regret the past or fear the future until parental and cultural conditioning kicked in. We are completely present when we are close to or within our flow state, which was how we lived as children.
4. Being a beginner. Adopting a beginner’s mind in your professional and personal life can pay huge dividends. A beginner’s mind is open, willing, honest, and receptive to all experiences. It helps us foster growth and prevent stagnation.
5. Being more playful. Lighten up! Play more. Smile. Look at the world around you in wonder. Be grateful for everything, and stop sweating the small stuff. Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether a creative hobby or a playful pastime like painting or drawing.
6. Becoming less judgmental. As kids, we didn’t learn to judge until we had been judged too much. It takes a lifetime or more to let go of judgment. Sure, it’s okay to discern, but when we judge, we often judge too harshly of ourselves and others.
7. Doing your best. As we age, it is easy to get attached to the outcome. Instead, focus on losing yourself like you did as a child.

In summary, the ageless wisdom you’ve just read reveals the power of maintaining a childlike way of being. Doing so can enhance your emotional maturity, creativity, and connection with the world.

Do your best to reconnect with your inner child. Reflect on memories of playful innocence and your natural curiosity as a child.?

Explore the world around you with wonder. Play, and have more fun.

Thanks for reading my article, commenting, and sharing. When not coaching and advising emerging entrepreneurs, business owners, and investors, I help people improve their “mental wealth” and quality of life by writing, speaking, coaching, and advocating for mental wealth and well-being. Learn more at www.CliffordJones.com , or subscribe to The Clarity Letter on Substack.