On Flying, Aspirations & Virtual Worlds

"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings."

~ Hodding Carter

When I was a child, I remember having flying dreams . . . ahhhh, such freedom! I either don't have them now, or simply just don't remember them when I crawl out of bed in the morning. Of course I could go to a virtual world such as Second Life to fly, but you know, it just ain't the same as a good old-fashioned dream . . . or is it?

Carl Jung's idea was that in a flying dream we are expressing our desire to break free of restrictions and limitations. There are many other interpretations out there, but we do know that these flying dreams have been with us throughout history.

The Greek myth, Daedulus and Icarus, has a tragic ending in that Icarus dies from flying too close to the sun. The message seems to be that there is a danger in going too far from our roots.

Questions:

Are we giving our kids adequate roots?

Are we giving our kids wings?

Are virtual worlds such as Skoolaborate an adequate substitute for strong flesh & blood families and communities?

How do social networking sites such as Webkins, Miss Bimbo, and others fit into all this?

What are our roles as parents, teachers, and community members in this new reality?

Final Question: Do kids still have flying dreams? Do kids have life dreams?

"If I had two wishes, I know what they would be
I'd wish for Roots to cling to, and Wings to set me free;

Roots of inner values, like rings within a tree, and Wings of independence to seek my destiny.

Roots to hold forever to keep me safe and strong,
To let me know you love me, when I've done something wrong;

To show me by example, and help me learn to choose,
To take those actions every day to win instead of lose.

Just be there when I need you, to tell me it's all right,
To face my fear of falling when I test my wings in flight;

Don't make my life too easy, it's better if I try,
And fail and get back up myself, so I can learn to fly.

If I had two wishes, and two were all I had,
And they could just be granted, by my Mom and Dad;
I wouldn't ask for money or any store-bought things,

The greatest gifts I'd ask for are simply Roots and Wings."

~ Denis Waitley