SUNSHINE AURA – self-esteem. self-love. self-actualization. 

I recently came across this concept of seeing yourself and others as the innocent children they once were. It’s supposed to help us practice non-judgment, compassion, and loving guidance to ourselves and others. Believe me, I know how hard it is to see innocence in the ones who have hurt us. To unpack their ego. To see past the hurtful things they have said, the things they have done. To look at them with empathy and sympathy, rather than disgust, disappointment, and maybe even a little rage. To choose to honor there is a little version of them residing inside – sometimes deep, deep down. Other times, just brimming beneath the surface. To take pause and offer kindness and/or forgiveness, rather than return the harm they are showing us. And yet, where do we draw the line with this concept? Is there not a point where someone who is no longer a little kid does not deserve kindness or forgiveness? Because they have gone too far? Maybe that line is abuse. Maybe that line is a bit closer to abandonment or indifference. Maybe the point of no return to innocence is one we must all determine for ourselves.

And what about seeing the innocence in ourselves? I know that when I make a mistake, I can be so quick to judge myself harshly. How could I be so stupid? How could I be so easily fooled? How could I be so rash? And some even more harmful thoughts. Why can I not just look perfect? Be perfect? Think and act perfectly? Is there a line we must also draw within ourselves when we have gone too far?

Are we all redeemable? I’m learning to see innocence. And I hope it teaches me what I need to know to answer that question for myself.