Fantasy and Child Spirituality

Spirituality is a slippery concept that is not easily defined. The scope of its description, depending on which author you're reading, is large. It's the kind of word that has become popular in the realization that people have a spiritual dimension in their lives which they prefer to connect to without the baggage of religion. The religious people though like the word for its flexibility and potential when much of what is church has become not quite as spiritually vibrant as it might be. The reality of being human is that people always have taken the life beyond rather seriously. Beliefs, rituals and instruction about the gods are as old as the human race. People are spiritual beings and even those who profess not to believe in anything much, are faced with the questions of good and evil, which basically are relational questions. In essence, relating is a spiritual activity. Its attitudes, choices and expressions come from deep within. Rationalization about the nature of my relating is possible, but where does the foundation for it reside? One of the most powerful of relational experiences, being in love, is a deeply spiritual expression. Where does that come from once it happens? How about hate? People are spiritual beings.

The question of how to best introduce children to the dynamics of spirituality is an important one. Being not rationally focussed, children have few problems with ideas that are not scientifically verified. They are spiritual without being aware of it and can move in the realms of the unknown quite easily when confronted with the reality of it. That confrontation may have the nature of a feeling or impression. Many children are able to remember special moments of experience that were different from the usual in a way that set them apart. In human history, from an early age, children have been exposed to the stories of their kin's beliefs and religion. It has helped them to become familiar with that part in their personality that attains to the spiritual. It is an essential aspect of child development.

A religious story, if not an historical event, could be a myth. A myth is a story of significance for human experience. It aims to shape the person deep within beyond the cognitive. The fairy tale, if it is a good one, can have the same function. Literature can serve this purpose and overall there is a wealth of resources available to nurture and shape the human spirit. Ideally, entering this wealth should start at an early age. One of the good ways for a child to become exposed is to be presented with the 'fantastic'. Not in the sense of something being terrific, but as belonging to the realm of fantasy. It is a realm that allows for the imagination to blossom and for feelings to deepen. And it is particularly helpful if the fantasy is meaningfully discussed. The world of ideas is then opened up to the child in an interesting manner. The child becomes familiar with the possible connections between story and life, if the fantasy allows for such, and is spiritually enriched.

The reality of our modern world is that any fantasy a child is exposed to, whether through film, animation or story, is hardly ever discussed as to its relevance for good living. Many times the possibilities would be there, the story would lend itself to it, if only an adult would be aware of the opportunity. Life, usually, is too busy, while the significance of fantasy in child spirituality is insufficiently understood. This is most unfortunate. It limits the child in his or her potential.

Story, in which the child engages personally with words and ideas, is a great way in which to help the spiritual side of children. As pointed out, by this is not meant the religious side per se, though it can be. Fantasy stories that relate to life's choices and challenges are fundamental to child development. Particularly those that allow for the ideas in the story to be discussed with empathy and at the level of the child. Eloise, the Witch and the Wordsmith fits the bill perfectly. It includes discussion starters on general life skills for children. Though not written with this in mind the story also has discussion starters on Christian spirituality for those interested. Often good fantasy stories lend themselves to discussions of a religious nature, as many of the ideas on being human are represented in the world's religions. The Eloise adventure is just one of many stories in our world that can help children in their development as spiritual beings. Eloise, the Witch and the Wordsmith sets out to use fantasy to its best advantage. It is important that children enjoy this kind of fun, the kind that is more than just a story.

Michael Spyker MA
www.Kid-Ebook-Stories.com