The voluntary softening of adult self-centeredness so that children experience play as a space free from judgment where their own emerging identities can unfold safely.
Rabia's mystical path involved fana—the dissolution of self in divine love. Applied to early childhood, this concept invites caregivers to temporarily set aside their own agendas, anxieties, and need for control during play. When an adult truly surrenders their ego in play, the child experiences genuine presence and acceptance. This creates psychological safety essential for language emergence: the child knows they are not performing for evaluation but simply existing and exploring. Without the pressure of adult judgment, children experiment with words, meanings, social roles, and boundaries more freely. This ego-annihilation paradoxically strengthens boundaries because they arise organically from the child's own discoveries rather than imposed externally. Play becomes a mirror of pure acceptance where the child sees themselves reflected without distortion.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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