Poem: On Children By Kahlil Gibran

Kahlil Gibran's 'On Children' delicately portrays the essence of parenthood, emphasizing the distinction between guiding our children and allowing them the freedom to shape their own destinies. Gibran's eloquent words remind us that while we may provide a home for their bodies, their souls are on an individual journey, beyond our reach.

This beautiful piece resonates deeply, reminding me of the profound responsibility and privilege of nurturing young minds while allowing them the freedom to carve their unique journey.

Transcript

Your children are not your children.

They are the sons and daughters of life's longing for itself.

They come through you but not from you.

And though they are with you,

Yet they belong not to you.

You may give them your love but not your thoughts,

For they have their own thoughts.

You may house their bodies but not their souls,

For their souls dwell in a house of tomorrow which you cannot visit,

Nor even in your dreams.

You may strive to be like them but seek not to make them like you.

For life goes not backward nor terrors with yesterday.

You are the bones from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite,

And he bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far.

The archer's hand before gladness,

For even as he loves the arrow that flies,

So he loves also the bow that is stable.

Reviews

Thank you Wei for sharing this beautiful poem🙏
I will share this my children for their children

Very nice! I can see how this applies to mentorship as well...

Thank you🙏🏽 Wei for this meditation moment. It is so true that our children👶🏽 are not our children. We are merely the vessels🚢 that the Universe used to bring their physical bodies to this planet🌍. Nor do we own their souls, as their souls are housed in their own bodies. That’s a really hard pill to swallow when it’s time to let them go and grow.🌹

I AM that I AM ... and today “that” is a mother in mourning. Namasté🙏🏽☺️

#dailymeditation
#healthyveyebsmeditations
#numbingsoulution
#OnChildren #KhalilGibran

A great reminder on life!

Thank you I haven’t heard that poem in such a long time. It’s especially poignant today as my youngest daughter has recently left home and it is a beautiful reminder.

A beloved poem. Thank you for the beautiful delivery.

I love this poem. Namaste 🙏

Timeless wisdom, recited slowly so one can savor it.