what has stayed the same?

Today I am reflecting on what my child self already knew and was instinctively drawn to. While there are many ways my adult self has tried to squirm around and discredit the playful wisdom of that young one, I am ready to reclaim that now.

When I was in 4th grade these were my favorite things:

-Putting my friends in "trances." My friends and I would lay down and relax while rubbing each other temples. Then we would guide each other through intricate meditation stories. We didn’t call them that at the time, but that’s what it was. There was one that I remember; walking down a road, running into a wall, finding a key, opening a door...Afterwards we would talk and “interpret” each others images. 

-Making up gymnastic routines and dances with my friends. Usually to Prince and other mid 80s icons.

-Performing "concerts" in my backyard to an audience of none. I can remember imaging people there as I would belt out show tunes from Annie, or songs from the radio.
 

-Climbing all over and hanging out at the top of trees and the jungle gyms.
 

-Reading books and writing poetry in my journal. (Yup my first journal was in first grade.)

-Walking or riding my bike around the neighborhood and to the local creek. 

-Visiting with and caring for neighbors dogs. We didn’t have a dog but I use to dog sit for a collie up the street. (In hindsight it seems a little trusting since I was 9, but it was a different time.) 

Honestly, these are the same things I am still drawn to doing- perhaps in more grown up ways, but the essence is the same. Moving with and towards these things guides my practice, time with friends and family, and my private time. 

What did your young self love to do? How is that in your life now? Even if it has morphed into something completely different ? How is the quality of that still alive? 

Perhaps in many ways- nothing has changed. And that is a good thing.