Keeping Our Spirits Young
As children, we're taught the value of spontaneity and play. Taking part in daily activities such as playing sports, taking time to just do things freely feels like such a privilege sometimes. But for the most part, those who regularly engage in daily activities such as playing sports are happier and healthier. Playing sports is a great way to exercise, improve balance and coordination, strengthen body and mind, develop social skills, improve self-confidence and enhance overall well-being. Playing sports not only benefits the participant, but those around them as well.
It is this social aspect that is the key to spirit growth. When children are allowed and encouraged to play organized games, team sports, and extracurricular activities, they are given an opportunity to experience what it means to be social. Spirituality along with healthy social relationships has been proven to be positively contagious. Just as contagious can be infectious, positive influences from spiritual leaders such as mentors and parents can have a profound impact on children's attitudes, self-image, and overall spiritual well being. Participating in organized sport activities helps build self-esteem, confidence, and teamwork; all of which are essential for spirit growth and spiritual development.
Spirituality is also essential to helping children to cope with their physical and mental health challenges, whether these challenges are related to learning, growing, or loss of an individual. Sports give children a chance to participate in a group activity that provides a structured structure for meeting challenges head-on while working toward achieving a common goal. In addition, the camaraderie fostered by organized sports allows children to foster friendships and relationships within the group that will be carried into adulthood, providing them with the support they need to become successful.
Children learn a variety of skills and qualities when playing organized sports. These skills and qualities become the basis for their lifelong enjoyment of sports and the community in which they live. A simple sport such as baseball enables children to develop physically while building confidence and stamina. Building friendships and teamwork are another important quality of childhood development. Children who have developed trust, confidence, and friendship within the confines of a team, sport, or other group are more likely to develop these and other life skills and traits as adults. These are skills and traits that will serve them well in adulthood, no matter what age they find themselves.
The value of friendships is undervalued in today's society. Many churches, synagogues, and other organizations send members away to attend specialized training or camps in order to further their development as spiritually-filled adults. While it is always important to try and remain spiritually connected in every day life, having an established group of friends who have similar interests and goals will prove to be invaluable in building childreight bonds. Keeping Our Spirits Young can teach children that the value of friendship, family, and community ties will be lifelong and valuable, even in adulthood.
There are countless opportunities available for children who maintain a strong sense of spirit. Whether it is attending church services regularly, participating in athletic programs, or fostering strong relationships within the family, children can learn valuable lessons about commitment, trust, and respect for themselves and others. By maintaining a spirit of adventure and excitement, children will grow into healthy, mature young adults ready to take on the world and take care of it in a mature and responsible manner. Life can be difficult, but it is rewarding when we take a moment to look inside ourselves and recognize our spiritual gifts and talents. Keeping Our Spirits Young can teach children that true happiness and fulfillment come from following their passions, being open to learning new things, and working together as a family.