Boys and Stories for the Heart Chakra

My son is going to be 12 next month and he came to me the other day and said, “Look at my chest!” Indeed, he is getting bigger and turning into a man. His body is changing and he is aware of it. He gets his own hair cream and body wash just for guys. It’s as if he’s growing into himself and realizing his whole world.

Kids do become conscious at this age. It seems that fifth grade up opens up the world of being aware of reality all around and its influence in life. Things aren’t just of mother and the family and fantasy. You grow up.

He likes to pump iron. Even though I give him yoga poses for his legs, because he has knee pain, but he won’t do them or any yoga with us usually. It’s too mother for him. So I teach him about the pectorials and the chest, the heart and the centering in the heart.

Of course I have to throw in the metaphorical elements of the heart and its qualities. Goodness and kindness, courtesy and honor. Those things that fairy tales and stories illustrate.  I think of the story The Most Beautiful Heart, of its capacity for love and giving. To teach my son to be a man with heart, but not like a Tin Man of technology. But kind to women and courteous, respectful. That there is honor in chivalry.  Most King Arthur stories are perfect for boys, heroics and what it means to be a man of honorable character. The Loathsome Lady teaches a man a lesson about woman’s sovereignty.  King Arthur comes from Arctus, the bear, which is the oldest worshiped animal in the world, according to Joseph Campbell. The story of the Fisher King brings the man on a journey into his self and healing as well as compassion.

Ultimately I told my son there is energy in the heart. That there is great love, but grief can also bring it down. I showed him my rounded shoulders, my collapsed chest I am always working to rectify. But his shoulders were thrust back naturally, his heart lifted. I feel that the therapy is wonderful for him, so that there is no lingering grief. Children should have therapy big time to process trauma in a big way and let it go so that they can be free of it going into adulthood. It really pisses me off that all the social services are being cut in this country and people can’t get the wellness they deserve.

Anyway. Go to the library and pick out some great stories. Tell stories to your kids. Teach them yoga. Namaste. Sydney

be sure to check out my other blog TheQueenofBohemia.blogspot.com for The Queen of Bohemia Cleans Her Own House: Personal Story and Yoga.