The "Peter Pan Syndrome" is said to "affect people who do not want or feel unable to grow up, people with the body of an adult but the mind of a child" or "describes men, who are childlike in their relationships, their ability to handle responsibilities, and their pursuit of pleasure." Well enough, but what it's really about is curiosity and the joy of discovery -- the simpler joys of childhood.

In this world of money, money, money, and power, power, power, wouldn't it be nice to share something curious with someone you love, and share together in co-discovery? I think so. It's not about being a child again, or regaining innocence. I wish it were, but, sorry, we only get physically older, and once lost, innocence can't be regained. What can be regained is the wonder of being curious about this amazing world we live in, and the incredible people surrounding us. It's about stopping for a moment and, no, not smelling the flowers, but resting, relaxing, reflecting. Its from this quiet inner place that all meaning comes, and isn't that what discovery is about? Seeing new meanings in otherwise everyday life?

As an educator, I was once asked what the result of rest, relaxation and reflective learning. At first, I had no answer. Then it came to me that evening that, unlike pressured or "traumatic" learning which results in lots of meaningless information, this second, more child-like kind of learning resulted in knowledge and wisdom.

But what is knowledge? Knowledge is knowing how to apply what one has learned in multiple different contexts. And wisdom? Knowing when to do it so as to not hurt anyone.

This may sound too incredibly simple, but think about it, and if you want to think more, consider buying my book, UNLOCK THE GENIUS WITHIN. Don't just read it, or force yourself to memorize the information. Instead, relax and enjoy it. See if it doesn't stir your sense of curiosity and discovery, and result in knowledge and wisdom.

What's did all this bubble up from, you may well ask? I was watching a recent movie version of "Peter Pan" starring Robin Williams, one of my favorite actors (add to him Sean Connery, Johnny Depp, Steve Martin, Marty Feldman, John Cleese to name a few). I have a Peter Pan taste in actors, movies and life, I guess. 

Sincerely,
Dan