Today Happy Rain class took a trip to the Gunung Pulai waterfall.
After weeks of visualising and wondering how the toddlers might react to the new surroundings and, at times, challenging terrain, as I watched them walking up the mountain as if they had been doing it all their lives (some of them even running), I was graciously reminded of children’s innate connection to nature and their ability to immerse within, oftentimes with more ease than adults.
Standing at the base of the waterfall, encountering the power of water, was an awe-inspiring experience. It took all of us some time to settle, some of the toddlers requested for their reef shoes. Soon they were exploring and playing in their own ways. Splashing, grabbing the sand, picking up and throwing rocks, climbing……
Two memorable moments were when a butterfly landed on A and kept coming back to us and when the monkeys began to dig out the items from our bags, even unpacking some of our diapers and raincoats!
As we walked back to the cars, although tired, the children still had the time and energy to observe the leaves and sticks. The they all had a good sleep in the cars on the way back.
I look forward to our community growing increasingly connected to nature and developing our ability to navigate various terrain and challenges with a positive mindset, honouring and celebrating each journey- even that seemingly little journey from one rock to the next, being rooted to a sense of place.
Every journey- even the seemingly little step from one rock to the next should be given utmost value and importance. In our world of instant gratification, how important it is for children to understand their own bodies and abilities to go places…
Life is not a destination…. It’s a journey through and through, let’s give it time, as much time as the children need,
