Recently I got to spend time with two little girls at a family party. The birthday girl was celebrating her first birthday and other little girl was two and half years old. They were both so beautiful, with eyes so clear and wide open. There was such an air of settlement within them, and when they walked there was no disruption to their surroundings, their movements like a ripple effect on a crystal clear lake. In observing them I got to feel and understand the meaning of grace on a whole new level. There was no doubt in my mind that they were both so exquisitely precious.
They played together harmoniously and what I noticed was that they were both so sure of themselves, they had a real knowing of what they wanted and what they needed. When the little one needed assistance, the older girl offered support, but not from an imposition or a sympathy but a genuine care and willingness to help another grow and develop.
I absolutely loved chatting with them and the older girl blew me away with her expression and her love of everything. They both had a tangible willingness to embrace the world and the people in it. There was no protection in the way they interacted with others but an honouring of how they felt, so if they didn’t feel to talk to someone they remained open but moved back onto their own path.
I have to admit, I almost cried at one point because I felt such an immense joy at being able to bare witness to such a depth of preciousness from them both. I also reflected how the world does not honour the preciousness that naturally exists within our girls and how different our existence would be if every little girl was adored and supported to continue living with this preciousness every day of her growing life.
I was pulled out of my pondering when I noticed my 13yr old daughter playing with the younger girls. There was a sweetness in her movements, a warmth and a holding quality. She met them both as equals and adored them for the purity that they are. They equally adored her, their wide eyes open and listening to every word. The beauty within each of them was palpable and I confirmed that the preciousness we begin with never leaves us.
I had such a beautiful day. I got to feel on such a real and tangible level the absolute beauty and preciousness that is within each and every girl no matter their age, and in this reflection I got to feel how deeply precious I am too.
The Girl to Women Festival is being held in Melbourne on Sunday 29th April 2018. This is a festival that honours the absolute preciousness of all girls and women. It is an event for the whole family to honour and celebrate the beauty within each and every girl and woman, and in doing this we equally acknowledge and celebrate the natural tenderness and delicacy within each and every boy and man. An event not to be missed.
By Bianca Barban - Woman, Mother, Registered Nurse
Photography by Iris Pohl