. . before there were schools and school-learning; when elders were teachers and children were wise; when learning was understanding and applying what you understood, not just repeating what you could memorize.

And when time was free, and working was no different from dancing or singing or telling stories . . .  . . . one morning, some children gathered at their favorite meeting place, in a green meadow, under a large tree, where they met with an elder of their community who asked them the question, "If you could make a wish what would it be?"

the first child spoke, "I wish for the health and well-being of my family and friends, and of everyone in my community; and that we always remember to support and appreciate each other."

the second child said, "My wish is that I will do all that I can to develop my skills and abilities. That I am creative and energetic and kind."

a third child spoke, "My wish is that we treat people from elsewhere as we would treat each other, even if they seem different or weird. That we remember to speak up for them when others forget."

then the fourth child spoke, "My wish is for the Earth. That we respect all species, and the air and soil and water."

a fifth child said, "My wish is that we remain always curious about the unknown, that we are trusting of the mysterious and open to the promise of the yet-to-be-revealed."

the elder asked the children if they believed that wishes can come true.

the children answered, "Yes, we believe that they can."

then the elder asked, "How does that happen. How can it be that wishes come true?"

"by keeping on wishing. & Imagining! & Working!" said one.

"through our intention and passion," said another.

"by our love," said another. "by trusting life,"

then the elder said: "Remember that you are unique, that life has never expressed itself as it now expresses itself through each one of you. Remember that each of us is always changing and that things become real by your willingness to adapt and learn from those changes, even the things we feel and believe most strongly are constantly in process. CHANGE is at the very foundation of things, even those things that appear to be most solid."

Five Changes are - click here