positive words

Reflecting on my journey as a pediatrician, a parent, and a spiritual seeker, I often recall a particular afternoon at the clinic, when a mother came to see me with her wide-eyed toddler. She was concerned about his persistent cough, yet more than her questions about medication, it was her gentle caress on the child’s back that caught my attention. As she soothed him, I witnessed in that simple act an entire encyclopaedia of parenting; the unspoken language of love that every child understands. In that moment, I realized that my vocation as a pediatrician often mirrors my own path as a parent—one where every encounter with children and families reinforces the profound spiritual journey that Sai has guided me on.

As we embark on this path of Sai-centric Parenting, let us consider the Four Pillars of Life that we can build for our children: Health, Relationships, Financial Values, and Knowledge. These pillars, like the steady legs of a table, must be balanced through the T.E.A.R. Formula—Thoughts, Emotions, Actions, Results—a concept Swamy often emphasized as the blueprint for a worthy life.

Healththe first pillar, is not merely the absence of illness but a celebration of life’s vitality. To foster this in our children, we must guide their thoughts to understand their bodies’ inherent wisdom. Encourage them to express their emotions as they venture through growth milestones, providing gentle discipline alongside love. A daily routine that includes a joyful morning exercise can do wonders. Remember the story I often share of young Aditi, who once suffered from frequent colds but transformed her health through a simple practice of gratitude journaling. Every night, listing things her body enabled her to do that day helped her cultivate respect and care for her own wellbeing.

Moving to Relationshipswe must teach our children the sacred art of conscious communication. Like Swamy taught us through loving interactions, allow them to see the power of words in nurturing connections and mending ruptures. I recall an incident with my own son, when a misunderstanding with a friend at school troubled him. Through a heartfelt discussion, we navigated emotions and actions that led to reconciliation and deeper understanding. It’s in these moments that parents, as spiritual guides, truly shape the relationship dynamics in a child’s world.

Next, the pillar of Financial Values should be approached through simplicity rather than materialism. Instill in your children the notion that true wealth lies not in accumulation but in the judicious use and sharing of resources. Engage them in small seva activities, showing them Swamy’s teachings of selfless service. This nurturing of empathy fortifies their internal values against the often competing superficial standards of modern life.

The last pillar, Knowledgeis not just about academic pursuit but an insatiable curiosity to understand the universe. Encourage questions, foster creativity, and let the home become as much a classroom as any school. Emulate the wisdom I have seen in many families who prioritize storytelling—stories of saints, scientists, and ancestors—that lay the groundwork for knowledge grounded in moral values.

In each of these pillars, the T.E.A.R. Formula guides us patiently. As parents, we shape our children’s Thoughts with reflective listening; balance their Emotions through our steady presence; lead their Actions by example; and help them recognize that their Results are stepping stones in the vast journey of life.

Before concluding, I find it meaningful to share this: “The end of education is character,” Swamy said, illuminating the path we must thread together with our children. Let character and values be the inexhaustible light that guides every aspect of your parenting.

Please share your thoughts, experiences, or questions in the comment box below. I read every comment with love and deep respect.