Risshun, the first day of spring, has passed. Small blossoms have begun to appear on the plum trees, and spring flowers and grasses have gradually begun to appear on the ground. We are very happy that this beautiful season has come again this year.
I often feel the children's growth in such unexpected moments as when they greet each other in the morning, when they change the way they play, and when they attend their morning meeting more actively and more responsively. Every day I see how each child is trying to build a stronger bond with his or her peers. Children in toddler years become aware of the presence of their friends and, step by step, begin to share places and play with their friends. As they become more assertive, they experience fights and tears when they experience disagreement. They experience how they can cooperate with each other to develop richer play over time. The rich and varied experiences they have with their precious friends nurture each child’s flexible social skills and lead to the development of a sense of self-respect as the core of their hearts.
We are all living beings kept alive in the cycle of life. And we humans are social creatures. We can only shine brighter when we are sharpened by others. Each trial is given to us so we can overcome it, which is also a blessing. We should be grateful for experiences like this and cherish each and every day of the month.
February 28th is Pink Shirt Day. In support of the anti-bullying campaign that began in Canada, I pray that everyone will be loved as an irreplaceable individual, and that the world will come to a place where the dignity and life of each individual is valued.