Recently someone asked me how it is to spend time with my kids — like how it makes me feel, and I answered that its pretty grating at first, like when I’ve been out for a while, there is always a period of whiplash before I can adequately tune in again as they say but that the more time I spend with them, the stronger I ultimately feel.
It kind of reminds me of the etymology of the term “meek.” We often think of it as gentle or submissive, but it’s Greek origins give a fuller meaning of “power under control.”
Being able to purposefully be gentle and follow - is in fact strength.
I did not know this, but have been having a really good time flipping the definitions of traditionally feminine character traits on their mind. Like, for example, woman are often called non-confrontational. The connotation is negative, but maybe all that means is actually that they're not petty
So true! It’s so much power under control nothing submissive about it. We feel like we are holding back but really we are reframing, guiding the explorative mind in a way of discovery by being gentle and letting them lead. This only comes from strength
I will humbly submit for discussion that the control or "holding back" are behaviors that amount to wisdom, earned by running the gauntlet of parenting. Thoughts anyone?
Thanks for explaining. The control, or holding back, is deliberate. Sometimes what my kids need is for me to let them take the lead, which isn't my first instinct, but over time it becomes more ingrained. When I look back I can see how my approach has changed, and how I am different with them now without having to try as much. I am suggesting that this lived experience amounts to wisdom.
It kind of reminds me of the etymology of the term “meek.” We often think of it as gentle or submissive, but it’s Greek origins give a fuller meaning of “power under control.”
Being able to purposefully be gentle and follow - is in fact strength.
I did not know this, but have been having a really good time flipping the definitions of traditionally feminine character traits on their mind. Like, for example, woman are often called non-confrontational. The connotation is negative, but maybe all that means is actually that they're not petty
Comes form a place of very deep wisdom
So true! It’s so much power under control nothing submissive about it. We feel like we are holding back but really we are reframing, guiding the explorative mind in a way of discovery by being gentle and letting them lead. This only comes from strength
I am so glad that I now know this! Thank you!
I experience the same thing with my little one but I hadn't noticed the strength until reading this thought. Such a good perspective!
I will humbly submit for discussion that the control or "holding back" are behaviors that amount to wisdom, earned by running the gauntlet of parenting. Thoughts anyone?
In hard agreement. Think it applies to the gauntlet of running anything — kids, a business etc
Can you expand on that? I don't think I get your meaning.
Thanks for explaining. The control, or holding back, is deliberate. Sometimes what my kids need is for me to let them take the lead, which isn't my first instinct, but over time it becomes more ingrained. When I look back I can see how my approach has changed, and how I am different with them now without having to try as much. I am suggesting that this lived experience amounts to wisdom.
Beautiful
Love