NURTURING THE SOUL

 Nurturing the Soul: Reflections on the Formative School Days of                                               Childhood

Introduction:

The school days of childhood are a significant period that shapes an individual's character, values, and overall well-being. Beyond the academic curriculum, schools play a crucial role in nurturing the soul, fostering personal growth, and instilling lifelong lessons. In this reflective journey through my school days, I explore the profound impact of these formative years on my soul.

1.     The Foundation of Values:

During my early years in school during the age between 6 – 12 years of age, I was introduced to a structured environment that emphasized fundamental values. Teachers during these years were not so supportive and they only were interested in checking the class work. There was no development surrounding the school periphery. Only a playground was there in front of our school. At the beginning of school time, we stood in small lines and shouted prayer songs in the morning hours. There was no sitting arrangement. We usually sat on the ground. There was only a blackboard, Chair, and table marked for the teacher. Therefore, I was not so interested in going to school. But my mother during these days framed up my mindset. Since my father, elder brother, and paternal grandmother were at a distant place for earning livelihood and for my brother’s education, I was with my mother who taught me moral values through different stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata. After successfully passing my Standard four examination, my father decided to shift me from my village to a suburban area for better schooling so that we could live together but unfortunately, I missed the village environment forever. We were living in a two-room small house near Yogiraj Yukteswar Giri’s house at Srirampore.

2.     Exploration of Creativity:

Schools serve as a canvas for young minds to explore and express their creativity. From art classes to extracurricular activities, my school days provided ample opportunities to discover my passions and talents. The freedom to experiment and create not only enhanced my artistic abilities but also nurtured my soul by allowing me to express myself authentically. In the early morning, I usually accompanied my Paternal grandmother for bathing in the holy river Ganges and on returning every day we halted at the Yukteswar Giri’s house and bowed down for his blessings. During that age I was not so aware of Yukteswar Giri. I asked several times to my Grand Mother about who is “Yukteswar Giri”? But for a long time, she kept mum about him. My mind was anxious to know about him. One day, in noon when she was sleeping, I silently opened the door and ran as fast as possible to reach Yukteswar Giri’s house. His door was open. I entered there with a curious mind and found nobody. Suddenly I saw a bright light coming out from a room. I silently entered there and saw a man sitting in a lotus pose and his eyes were shut. He opened his eyes and offered me a chocolate and asked me “Why have you come, my son”? I replied, “only to know about you”. I told him that every morning my Grand Mom washed your doorstep by Ganges Water and bowed down and without entering your house she returned. He said “I know” that but my son you don’t come here. I will call you at the right time. I came back and slowly entered the house. By this time, my grandmom began to search for me. On entering, she asked where you were? I slowly and fearfully told him about this. She began to cry and told me that I could not see him for a long time but how did you see him? She told me that He is no more in this world. I was astonished and asked myself then who was that man? Every day at night I thought about him and his studies hampered. I failed the exam. Seeing these adverse results and mental disturbance, my father decided to live in a distant place from Yukteswar Giri’s house and admitted me to a different school where I could get a better education.

3.     Friendships and Social Bonds:

The friendships forged during school days are often some of the most enduring connections in one's life. Beyond the classroom, the playgrounds and communal spaces became arenas for building social skills, understanding diversity, and cultivating a sense of friendship. These relationships became pillars of support, contributing significantly to the nurturing of my emotional well-being.

4.     Resilience and Perseverance:

School life is not without its challenges, be it academic pressures or personal setbacks. However, these challenges were vital in shaping resilience and perseverance. Learning to overcome obstacles, whether through academic struggles or interpersonal conflicts, instilled in me a sense of determination that became a valuable asset in facing the complexities of adulthood.

5.     Cultural Exposure and Global Awareness:

In the diverse situation of a school, I was exposed to different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. Celebrating festivals, participating in cultural events, and interacting with peers from various backgrounds broadened my horizons and cultivated a sense of global awareness. This exposure was instrumental in fostering open-mindedness and tolerance, vital components of a well-nurtured soul.

6.     Nature as a Classroom:

Many of my fondest memories from school involve outdoor activities and nature-based learning experiences. Whether it was a field trip to a botanical garden or a science class conducted in the school garden, these interactions with nature provided a holistic education that extended beyond textbooks. The connection with the natural world served as a source of solace, grounding my spirit in times of stress.

7.     Character Building through Challenges:

The challenges presented in school were not limited to academics but extended to character-building situations. Participation in team sports, group projects, and leadership roles taught me the importance of teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. These experiences molded my character and contributed significantly to the development of qualities such as discipline and a strong work ethic.

8.     Encouraging Curiosity and Lifelong Learning:

Schools are incubators for curiosity, sparking a love for learning that extends beyond formal education. Teachers who encouraged questions fostered curiosity and went beyond the syllabus instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning. This thirst for knowledge became a driving force, propelling me towards personal and professional growth.

Conclusion:

As I reflect on my school days, it becomes evident that the nurturing of the soul extends far beyond textbooks and examinations. The holistic education provided by schools equips individuals with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of life. From values and creativity to resilience and global awareness, the formative years in school are instrumental in shaping well-rounded individuals with a strong sense of self. It is in these early experiences that the seeds of a nurtured soul are sown, blossoming into a lifelong journey of self-discovery and personal growth. But I could not forget those moments that I enjoyed at Yukteswar Giri’s house for a long time.