In the world of psychotherapy (and, of course, in many other areas), there is a common belief that the wiser you are, the better a therapist you become. Wisdom, at least for me, is often associated with age, experience, and one’s personal life journey. I must admit that this weighed on me for a long time, because I knew that many things that could help me in my therapeutic work could be learned and absorbed, yet wisdom is not easily attained. If one is fortunate – it comes with time.
I often reflected on this during my morning walks to work, where part of the day was spent with beings considered “less wise” – younger, less experienced, that is, children in kindergarten.
At that time, the fashion for artificial, long nails, permanent polish, and general hand grooming was widespread. Few fashion trends ever escape me – and this one didn’t either. I don’t remember the exact shape or color of my nails, but I do know I never really overdid it. At least, that’s how it seemed to me.
While preparing the children for their post-lunch rest and just starting to read the story of Snow White to help them settle, a boy approached me with big, brown, slightly surprised eyes and asked: “What are those claws of yours?”
I burst out laughing and replied: “Thank you for pointing that out. They are indeed (already) long.”
I often recall this moment – how wisely he let me know what he thought and how it didn’t belong in the kindergarten environment. I am grateful to him; the little wise one opened my eyes that day. Even now, as I care for my “claws,” I think of him. I have learned that wisdom can be found in many places, and that children, precisely because of their honesty and directness, can be our greatest teachers.
