And to become friends with a dragon concerning the spiritual in the child's world
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Authors
Nasse, Judith
Issue Date
1988
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Child development , Spiritual life , Dragons--Psychological aspects
Alternative Title
Abstract
In And To Become Friends With A Dragon, Concerning the Spiritual in the Child's World, Judith Nasse discusses the Spiritual growth of the child and the importance of guiding the child in his Spiritual and soul growth as well as in his bodily and intellectual growth. Through this process and interaction parents and teachers can also re-experience neglected parts of their own childhood and can re-integrate that into the wholeness of their own Spirit life. The child and the adults become teachers of each other.
In the thesis the historical neglect of the child and his importance is explored. Pre-conception through birth is discussed from a transcendental viewpoint. The question of how to communicate with the child is also looked at, considering that communication is often on different symbolic levels. The importance of rituals as milestones in the child's spiritual and physical growth is emphasized.
The importance of play as a creative act is given special attention. Again, it is a deeper exploration of communication of the individual with his Spirit and God. For children this is done through play; and more formally, it is done through art and literature.
The thesis closes with Judith's exploration of her own insights into the Spirit world through her love of art and literature in her own childhood and in the stories she is now creating. Four of her own stories are included. The Little Dragon story, which acts as a leitmotif throughout the thesis, is illustrated in watercolour and graphite.