Recently, I was sitting at a park under a tall tree in Oregon, watching the Deschutes River flow by, when I was struck by the wisdom of children. They were playing nearby -- some on the soccer field, others pedaling up the sidewalk, a few making new friends and resolving conflicts on the playground. Watching how easily some things come to them that I struggle with every day, I felt the sudden urge to take notes.

Here is what kids know:

-- The present moment is all there is.

-- Play.

-- Being mean ruins things.

-- Laugh and be SILLY!

-- Make things up!

-- Form teams.

-- Move your body.

-- Hugs help sometimes.

-- Emotions flow.

-- Wonder.

-- Be amazed.

-- Love without restraint.

-- Learn something new. Why not?

-- Rest can take many forms: naps, reading, making art, playing pretend, daydreaming, lying on the ground.

-- Grownups can be really boring sometimes. (But not always.)

[Art from The Everything Trail by Meg Fleming and illustrated by Chuck Groenink]

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