Crystal Children
One of the most delightful and enlightening qualities of
children (especially the very young) is their awareness that
life is magical and that all things are alive. They talk to
their teddy bears, have conversations with trees, and have
instant rapport with animals.
They are equally capable of communing with crystals, because
we instinctively think with our hearts but as we get older we
are 'taught' to listen to our Brains more and hence our hearts
less.
Introducing the Young People in Your Life
to Crystals
The children in your life may be yours, your grandchildren,
little brothers and sisters, other relatives, or non-biological
kin. What could be more natural than to share your own love for
crystals with them?
Babies and Very Young Children
Safety First:
Very young children should either not be left alone with
crystals or should be past the
putting-everything-in-their-mouths stage. They should also understand that crystals should not be
thrown, put into the tape slot of the VCR, the washer, dryer, or
any other appliance.
This doesn't mean that you need to wait to introduce them to
crystals. Large crystals which are placed out of crawling or
climbing reach can help to create a harmonious atmosphere for a
baby's room. Smaller crystals can be fix to the bottom of the
cot (Bluetac is great stuff) or secured under the mattress. When
you are in watching you can give them smaller pieces to touch
and examine.
Amethyst can have a calming effect; while
a quartz cluster placed so that the sun's rays will reflect onto
it can be a source of fascination. Rose quartz stabilizes and
intensifies the energy of love.
Introducing the Pre-School
And Early-School Aged Children
to Crystals
You may have heard the often-quoted story that young
children, when faced with an array of various foods, intuitively
chose a balanced diet for themselves. I feel that the same is
true of crystals.
In my experience, the most important aspect to introducing
children to children is to not over-influence them. Just as you
should not be prevented by the books you read or the stories you
hear from forming your own intuitive relationship with crystals
so children need to find their own unique way of being with
stones. Because children are always watching us and learning
from our behavior it's especially important not to convey that
there's a right or a wrong way to be with crystals.
Children and Meditation
When you see that little speedball of energy, racing outside
or talking nonstop to you, you may wonder if anything but sleep
can still him or her, but children are capable of
meditation„though it may not be exactly like your own forms.
Children can be helped by being introduced to the idea that
peaceful silence is a good thing. I have found that the child
who is just beginning to get sleepy often responds to the idea
of sitting quietly and holding a crystal.
If a child is feeling frightened you can give them a
rhodochrosite or amethyst to hold. Demonstrate how to breath
deeply, and breathe with them. This can help them to experience
the calming qualities of both crystals and focused breathing.
An older child may be ready for more focused meditation. The
most effective introduction is by example. Let the special
children in your life see you meditate. (If you describe what
you're doing don't be too specific; say that you're having a
quiet time.) If you place crystals either around or on you say
that the crystals help you to be quiet.
The child will almost certainly want to meditate, too. Give
them some crystals if they want them, without instructing them
on how to use them. Tell them that this is a time for not
talking (and make sure that this first introduction is very
brief), and let them explore their own relationship with Spirit.
Programming Crystals with Children
Working with crystals in this way can be very empowering for
a child. You must decide for yourself if you think a child is
old enough to understand the basic concept of programming, i.e.,
"When you think a thought enough and feel and see what you want,
all of this goes into the crystal and it helps you to make it
happen."
Let them choose a crystal or crystals they'd like to program.
When they've finished you may want to suggest that they put it
in a place where no one will touch it.
The Older Child and Teenager
With these age groups I recommend an even more casual
approach, especially if you are a parent. In my years of working
with and selling crystals I have spoken to many teenagers who
said that their mothers or fathers had crystals, too. It was
clear these parents hadn't tried to force their children to
share their interests because these young people thought that
mothers and fathers were pretty special and enjoyed the bond
which sharing an appreciation of stones created.
Just have your stones around and let your older child or
teenager discover them for themselves. Don't suggest meditating
or programming unless they ask about it, and if they do express
enthusiasm be low-key. (You can, however, without much
difficulty, encourage many teen-ages to wear a crystal pendant
or necklace.)
If you aren't the parent of a special teenager in your life
you will have an easier time. There is no danger of triggering
off the love-hate relationship which so many teenagers have with
their parents, and they don't need to declare their independence
from you.
Some Helpful Stones
As important as it is for a child to have the freedom to
choose stones which feel right there are particular stones which
can be helpful for certain childhood conditions and crises.
Nightmares: Amethyst has often been chosen to
help with this, rose and clear quartz have also been part of the
combination
Insomnia: Charoite
Heartbreak: Children's hearts are tender and easily
hurt. (This is at least twice as true for teenagers.) A rose
quartz can help to ease the pain.
Self-esteem: As the child moves towards becoming an
independent individual they may find that citrine helps to
bolster self-confidence.
Concentration: The child who has difficulty studying
may be helped by either carnelian (for being grounded in the
present) or sodalite (for clearing up mental confusion). Clear
Quartz can also be used.
Emotional Overwhelm: Moonstone can be wonderful for
this condition.
Patience: Rhodonite is the recommended stone for
fostering this condition.
Communication: If your child has difficulty in asking
others for help turquoise can be a useful stone. Blue lace agate
is helpful for peaceful communication. Amazonite helps to
promote the courage to speak the truth.
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