Got an e-mail from a friend with a special needs child. They'd had an incredible conversation about God/Mary/Jesus. Deep. Meaningful. Enlightening. In about 10 words.
Had a conversation with someone yesterday about ego. For me the definition of ego is our false self - who we think we are. Thinking being the operative word. The ego loves to think. Think, think, think, that's what it's all about. As a society we value thinking, because we equate it with intelligence, and we equate intelligence with superior - the more intelligent, the better.
It is my firm belief that kids with special needs are here to help us break from our own egos, by showing us the way. We use all kinds of disparaging words to describe people with lower "intelligence," because A) we define intelligence in an antiquated way, and B) it makes our egos feel better to be superior to others (it's also socially acceptable to do this, but that's a whole other blog post).
These kids are special. It's apt that they be called special. As for the needs part? Hmmm... they certainly have specific needs, which are special, but the special part is really in their gifts, not in their lack. If they lack anything, it's an ego.
And that is special.
To listen to Eckhart Tolle talk about ego and thinking, click here.
12 comments:
Love this. You know why. Love it when you're as completely right as you are these days. Love you.
"We use all kinds of disparaging words to describe people with lower "intelligence," because A) we define intelligence in an antiquated way, and B) it makes our egos feel better to be superior to others (it's also socially acceptable to do this, but that's a whole other blog post)."
Yes, nail on the head here.
I love the word "special."
Yep.
My special girl definitely has an ego!
: (
I wish she could take a lesson from Rojo in not caring what anyone else thinks.
"the special part is really in their gifts, not in their lack" - Bingo! You get it right every time!!!
I've been thinking of that Temple Grandin quote all day: "The world needs all kinds of minds."
I find it amazing that although Katie is mentally handicapped, she's not stupid by a long shot. She can't tie her shoes, read or do any of the things that we associate with intelligence but she can run rings around most people and can read people in an instant.
Agreed!
I gave you a shout out on my blog today (Monday)
"These kids are special. It's apt that they be called special. As for the needs part? Hmmm... they certainly have specific needs, which are special, but the special part is really in their gifts, not in their lack. If they lack anything, it's an ego."
So well said.
You are right.
Funny your last two posts here made me think of an email you sent me a long time ago, in which you were very loving and honest with me about my thoughtless use of certain words, while trying to be 'funny'. It was a lesson I needed and have passed on to my kids.
As a matter of fact, this lead to a really funny conversation with Wyatt a couple weeks ago, that I have wanted to tell you, but may offend the public. ;)
Keep teaching this, because even not meaning harm, we can harm. I am thankful.
:)
Okay, from now on, I'm calling them "special gifts" people. Although, I suppose that to further expand my mind and get around the fact that all people are special gifts is the real trick, isn't it? We are all here to learn from each other.
Thanks, my friend.
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