One way that we can practice compassion is to remind ourselves that our perception of the world or of a particular person is just that -- our perspective. Reality is completely subjective. Even science has it's limitations for we can only see things through our own eyes.
When we practice to see things through another person's perspective, we gain empathy for them. When we realize that how we see the world may not be exactly how the world is, we create an opportunity for change and for betterment.
For this Enrichment Project, take an ordinary piece of paper and poke a hole in it with the tip of a pen or a toothpick. Let your child draw or color around the hole -- have fun with this and give them some ideas such as a target, and eyeball, or a telescope.
Then, have your child hold the paper up to their eye and ask them to tell you what they see. Can they see the entire room? Can they see you? Have them move to a new place in the room and ask them how their perception of the room has changed. Can we know the whole room from a single position? Or is our perspective limited and dependant on other factors?
Of course, as grown-ups we know that you can't see the whole room through a pin-hole. The world is this way too. Our single perspective is always limited. All we can do is practice to keep our eyes open and continually shift our position so that we might better understand the world around us.
Thank you!
When I did this one with my DD, I had her stand in three different places in our living room. I asked her to draw just what she saw in each spot. When she was done, she was really surprised that she'd missed some big items -- they we're not in her view.
It was really a fun little lesson for her about keeping he mind open and remembering that even the wisest people can't see or know everything!
Quoting roseisrose:wonderful idea! gonna try this with my boys!! :)
I think Mikey would like this. I'm going to try it with him. Thanks Firefly!!
This video adds a little more depth to this enrichment project. Enjoy!
Great Excercise!
This week in our home school we are studying the concept of "it is better to give than to recieve". I was going to talk about the fact that "listening to gain insight to another's feelings" is a great way of giving.
I am going to try this with my kids. They are 9 and 10. I will report back on how it goes.
Kim
Home schoolin' Mama: One woman's spiritual and comical insights as she embarks on a new adventure into the world of home schooling. www.homeschoolin-mama.blogspot.com
GREAT idea, I'm always having a hard time trying to explain things that this project wil be so helpful with!
Some Resources to Expand the Minds of our Children through Giving Back!
- firefly0812
on Jan. 29, 2009 at 5:41 PM