The Power of Why

 

A few months back I had the wonderful opportunity of spending a whole week with one of my grandchildren. It struck me during this time, that childhood provides a quality of specialness that nearly vanishes for the rest of life once one is considered “grownup”. As parents, we are occupied with the “busy-ness” of life and often miss the small moments that grandparents are granted: to see their offspring in a different perspective; to watch their grandchildren grow. Since becoming a grandmother two years ago my granddaughter has grown from a tiny infant to an active and engaged little person.

Coupled with all the endearing things small children can say, the question “Why?” becomes a recurring reminder that young children are constantly trying to figure out their surroundings. It is also a reminder that as older, smarter adults, we don’t always have an easy answer that will suit their curiosity. In fact, after a question is posed nearly 100 times on the same topic, in a 20 minute span, you want to throw Why out of the dictionary. (I mean how do you explain why, to a two and a half year old, the water has to do down the drain after bath time, where it goes and why the bar of soap doesn't also disappear!) But isn’t it true that without “Why” there is no purpose, no meaning for all the rest of life. The Whos Whats Whens Wheres are only defined by the Whys. Why puts things in context, it helps us understand the reasons for our behaviors.

Of course, a young child isn’t processing all this as they maneuver through life’s journey, but isn’t it amazing that they have figured out at such a young age the need to define their little world; they have figured out the power of why (aside from the fact that if they ask “Why?” enough times, Grammie’s probably going to go comatose and need a nap). As growing children, they absorb everything like a sponge and are clever enough to assimilate what is presented to them. (Disclaimer: one certainly must watch what they say in front of these pint-sized repeating machines – you might have some explaining to your own set of Whys!).

We can learn from these inquisitive youngsters. Equipped with the answers to Why, we can achieve the Hows.  I think us “grownups” have to remember that we need to question more; hold on to inquisitiveness; look for new aspirations in life; don’t just rush through life, really focus on the meanings. Spending time with a young child sloooooows down your life; everything is looked at closer, longer and with a furrowed brow.

The clock is ticking. Time is precious. The childhood of my own children passed like a blink, I’m sure with each generation it gets quicker. Go ahead. Renew your eagerness for knowledge. You can never search too much. You are at an age where no one is going to question your curious intellect. Pry a little. Meddle a bit. Explore, analysis and question. Never stop questioning. Why – there it is again- would you ever do that?

Carpe Diem!