Childlike Joy
Children are not the only ones who can be surprised by joy. The oldest of us have moments of liberation when we see with fresh eyes. Here is a place for you to share with others your delight in childlike vision and your response to children's art.

Welcome to "Childlike Joy" message board!
- Daniel Uvanovic, Webmaster   7 Mar 2003

I love playing with pictures! This is alot of fun, Thank you
- pc, ithaca   7 Mar 2003

There was a cup in front of me when I opened the page. As I looked at the cup and imagined it bigger I realized that the most importnat part of the cup was the emptiness of the center...
- meff, League City, TX   7 Mar 2003

I play pretend with my granddaughter, but forget to play when it is just me. Thanks for reminding me I am still a "child" inside!
- lv, Oregon   7 Mar 2003

I really opened the eyes of my heart and saw the colours and patterns of the piece of material that was on my desk. I am inspired to look at life today and tomorrow with my eyes open and my heart seeing.
- Judy,   8 Mar 2003

To me, being as open as possible to the present moment, whatever it is, leaving the past and future in a locked trunk tucked somewhere in your mind, and reaching out arms wide open and saying, "Wow", and/or "Wheeeeeeeee" is the childlike, immediate and therefore innocent and uncalculated response. And follow the "Wheeeeeeeeee" with let's dance to this grace music, this love music coming to us from all directions. To respond with the heart vs. plans and calculations. If you need inspiration, read some of the poetry of Hafiz.
- Zen, USA   9 Mar 2003

Crafting of all sorts is what makes me tick and just recently I have discovered buttons. It may seem silly, but when I sit and decorate small boxes or wall hangings or frames with buttons and beads and glitter, all my worries go away for a time. That's when I know I have found something wonderful.....just taking everyday things and redoing them. I experience real joy in those tiny little things and I find myself feeling so thankful for these and so many other tiny things that bring out the inherent joy of every moment for me. It helps me to see that this world, this time, and where I am on my own journey are beautiful gifts if I just take the time to engage in little things.
- Becki, NC   9 Mar 2003

Bicycle riding has always brought me the greatest joy from the time I was a little kid. It brings a great smile to my face, especially when I ride in the rain. It is a moment when I feel totally embraced by my Higher Power.
- Gayle S., Eugene, OR   17 Mar 2003

Someone took a candid photo of me skiing - a sport I started learning when I was over (i.e.better than) 40. I had a HUGE grin. I realized then that when I ski, I am so totally in the moment that there is pure joy. There was a lesson there for me!
- ELM, USA   27 Mar 2003

Youth is much too precious to waste upon the young. I have never worried about Second Childhood, I'm still working on the first one, in my eightyfirst year.
- DTT, Canada   29 Mar 2003

I am a grandmother and that has really opened my eyes to children ... again! When I was the mom I had do much to do that I often forgot about the joy of children. Now, tho, I have the time and energy! What joy!
- Lee, Hotchkiss, CO   30 Mar 2003

When I lived in Santa Ana, I made an art club at my kids' school. I brought all the stuff and never told them what to draw or paint. They taught me. The neat thing about art is that it is not language specific and therefore it is not so restrictive. I liked to see the world through their eyes.
- Elisabeth, Utah   1 Apr 2003