Profound sharing from speaker Phuong Thao, the leader of Học Thiền Đà Nẵng (Danang Meditation School) - PSSM
1. Practicing Meditation and Mindfulness: The Journey Back to Self
Ms. Phuong Thao emphasizes being present with the breath and feeling the presence of the body as a way to return to oneself amidst the hurried pace of life.
Meditation is not just a spiritual practice; it is a journey of deep connection with oneself, dedicating precious time for self in silence.
Inside every person, there is an abundant source of energy, a deep stillness that holds the power for awakening and inner transformation.
2. 💬 Communication and Connection with Your Child
Ms. Thao shares the importance of true understanding and connection in parenting, going beyond traditional educational models.
It is necessary to recognize the truth about oneself before one can understand the child.
The child is the inner product of the parents, a mirror reflecting the inner child of the adult with all the unhealed wounds, fears, and unmet desires.
3. The Child Is Your Reflection
The child expresses you in ways we sometimes dare not admit.
The distance between you and your child is exactly equal to the distance between you and your inner child, the distance between your present self and the dreams and freedom you abandoned when you grew up.
Children are born with an innate nature to explore, create, and be full of unconditional love.
Time to Stop and Look Inward: When you see your child being difficult, disobedient, or not as capable as others’ children, that is the moment to stop and look at yourself. Respect the child’s unique identity instead of imposing expectations and comparisons.
4. 📖 The Story of the Child Who Didn't Want to Go to School
Ms. Thao’s child, a little one, shared they didn’t want to go to school. Without the practice of meditation, a mother could easily react instinctively with worry and anger.
But thanks to the meditation practice:
She returned to her inner peace and stillness.
She began to understand the deep reasons behind her child’s reluctance to attend school.
She chose to be more present with her child, observing them with non-judgment, and simultaneously connecting more deeply with herself.
Insights on Education and Psychology:
Not every child fits the traditional school system. Some children have a consciousness greater than their parents; some sensitive souls need their own space to develop.
When communicating incorrectly, the child grows up in fear, handing over decision-making power to others, to society. The child will lack the ability to self-determine and stand firm in life, stemming from a lack of trust in their infinite potential
5. Respect and Listening
The child’s rebellion is not an inherent bad nature but stems from a lack of attention, love, and recognition from parents.
Abuse is not only through physical acts but also through harsh words and indifferent behavior. All these profoundly affect the child’s ability to connect with others and with their own self.
Instead of trying to control, change yourself, return to stillness, and truly listen to what the child needs.
The Principle: You want to be loved, respected, and understood; your child also needs to be treated the same way, independent human being worthy of respect.
6. 💖 Connecting with the Inner Child
Ms. Thao shares that the teacher Newton emphasized the importance of connecting with the inner child within each of us.
She recalled: At age 6, she was unfairly punished by adults, and that wound stayed with her for many long years until she learned how to heal.
Respect is the way to express the true value of a human being, not through achievement or status, but through the acknowledgment of the inherent goodness within.
It is necessary to connect deeply and identify one’s own unresolved issues, heal soul wounds before one can love others completely.
Patience is not just a virtue; it is an expression of compassion toward oneself and others.
Participants of the Diviners Fest were guided to practice a brief but profound process to connect with the inner child, to heal and liberate.
7. Heart Connection Meditation - Sharing from a Practicing Student
A friend shared a moving story about their journey parenting a challenging teenager facing a gaming addiction, which brought family tension to a peak.
Through practicing Heart Connection Meditation with the mantra:
“I love you, Thank you, Please forgive me, I’m sorry”
continuously for 3 days, the individual experienced a deep inner transformation.
The student realized that the very people who hurt them the most, including the child causing them suffering, also needed unconditional love and gratitude from the heart.
The child is not a burden or a challenge but the greatest teacher, helping parents to expand their heart capacity, learn unconditional love, and let go of selfish expectations.
Conclusion: Unconditional love is the key to liberation and healing the parent-child relationship, turning conflicts into opportunities for mutual growth.
