From the earliest of human civilizations, there has been a pervasive belief in the existence of unseen entities cohabitating our world. Numerous cultures harbor stories of spirits, sprites, Fae creatures, and other supernatural beings that live just beyond the veil of our regular perception. Among children, there is a universal phenomenon that parallels these beliefs - the experience of having an "imaginary" friend. Often dismissed by adults as a harmless phase of childhood, these so-called imaginary friends hold a deeper, more profound significance when examined from a holistic, intuitive, and spiritual perspective.
The Reality of Unseen, Imaginary Friends
As adults, we live in a world defined by sensory information and concrete facts. However, children operate on a different wavelength, unrestricted by the boundaries of our mature perception. They inhabit a realm teeming with unseen beings that, although invisible to us, are very real to them.
Just as we converse with our friends and family, children engage with these entities, deriving comfort, companionship, and wisdom. In the West, these interactions are commonly attributed to an active imagination, and children's unseen friends are called "imaginary." However, this label belittles the reality that children experience.
In contrast, many indigenous cultures recognize these experiences as genuine encounters with spirits, ancestors, or otherworldly beings. From a spiritual perspective, children, with their uninhibited innocence and purity, are capable of perceiving realms that adults have been conditioned to disregard.
The Fae and Their Kin
One category of these unseen entities aligns closely with the legends of the Fae, beings that inhabit a realm parallel to our own. The Fae, also known as fairies, pixies, or sprites, have deep roots in many cultures worldwide. In Celtic tradition, for instance, the Fae are elemental forces associated with nature and the unseen world, sometimes serving as guides, tricksters, or teachers.
It's no surprise that children often describe their unseen friends in ways reminiscent of the Fae. They talk about them being small, flying, or having a mischievous nature – all traits commonly associated with these beings.
Rekindling Our Connection
As children grow and transition through various stages of development, they often lose their ability to perceive these unseen friends. This is often due to societal conditioning, which emphasizes the tangible, sensory world, and dismisses the invisible. Yet, some individuals retain this ability into adulthood, often finding themselves misunderstood or marginalized by mainstream society.
The shift towards holistic and intuitive ways of living invites us to reconnect with this forgotten realm, to tune into the subtle vibrations of life that permeate all existence. By acknowledging and respecting our children's unseen friends, we are validating their experiences and fostering an environment that embraces the full spectrum of existence, visible and invisible.
Myrddin and Bob: A Special Friendship
The bond between my son Myrddin and his unseen friend, Bob, is a testament to this enduring reality. Despite Bob's invisibility to adult eyes, his presence is palpable, and his interactions with Myrddin are full of joy and companionship. Their adventures, which are brimming with imaginative play and learning experiences, will soon be shared on this blog, highlighting the profound insights and valuable life lessons we can derive from such relationships.
Embracing the unseen realms and their inhabitants can open us up to a world of wonder and enrich our understanding of life's incredible diversity. Let's co-parent with the universe, nurturing our deeper human nature, and exploring the vibrant worlds that lie just beyond the scope of our usual perception.
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