What is happiness?

1/ 🧘Today by the pool, I reflected on my decision to unschool my daughters, Lima and Bo. Why aren't they in school like other kids? Well, I believe they learn more efficiently by interacting with the real world rather than being in an artificial learning environment. #Unschooling

2/ 🤔 Imaginary responses to the schooling question vary from 'none of your business' to explaining our educational choice. Yet, it's not always easy, especially with some disapproving hints from my visiting mother. But watching my girls play, I was reassured. #ParentingChoices

3/ 🌀 While observing them, I noticed how they're learning from each other & the environment. It's a contrast to traditional schooling where kids are often forced to memorize uninteresting facts. Unschooling seems more natural & enriching. #HolisticLearning

4/ 🤯 Yet, self-doubt creeps in at times, pulling me away from the present moment. This introspection led to deeper thoughts on happiness, and how our minds clutter over time with judgemental thoughts & beliefs, often instilled by others. #Mindfulness

5/ 🔄 As we grow, we inherit many of society's judgements & beliefs, altering our perceptions of reality. These inherited beliefs aren't always true, yet they govern our reactions & evaluations, often causing internal conflict & suffering. #SelfAwareness

6/ 👧 When we label something as ‘good’, we automatically create its opposite - ‘bad’. This dualistic thinking starts young. For instance, a child playing with a stick might learn it's 'dangerous' if told so, instead of learning through natural consequences. #LifeLessons

7/ 🎭 Judgements, whether about ourselves or others, create a mental hamster wheel, altering our ability to live in the present. Even positive comments can reinforce a dualistic view, impacting a child's self-perception & behavior. #MindfulParenting

8/ 🏊‍♀️ Back to the pool moment, I yearn for happiness for Lima & Bo. Not from external achievements, but from accepting reality without judgements. Unschooling provides a space free from many societal judgements, nurturing their innate ability to live in the present. #UnschoolingBenefits

9/ 🌈 Our choice may not align with societal norms, but it aligns with our understanding of happiness – living without restrictive beliefs. And while I'm working through my own mental hamster wheels, I'm hopeful for a less judgement-filled journey for my daughters. #ParentingJourney

10/ 💌 What's your take on this? Do traditional schooling systems contribute to societal conditioning, or do alternatives like unschooling offer a freer learning environment? Would love to hear your thoughts! #Discussion #EducationalChoices

* Sylvia x 🌸