Attentive, non-judgmental presence with a child's inner world, mirroring Rabia's practice of witnessing devotion, to understand motivations beneath behavior.
Central to Rabia's spirituality was the practice of witnessing—observing and honoring the authentic inner experience of love and longing. In parenting, witnessing means authoritative parents develop capacity to see beneath surface behavior to the child's underlying needs, fears, and desires. Rather than react to misbehavior with punishment (authoritarian) or permissiveness (permissive), the authoritative parent witnesses: 'I see you're struggling with anger. What happened inside you?' This practice honors the child's interiority while maintaining boundaries. Authoritarian parents rarely witness; they simply impose consequences. Rabia teaches that true transformation occurs when the inner experience is honored and seen. Children who feel genuinely witnessed develop self-awareness and capacity for moral reasoning. They learn to examine their own motivations rather than simply obey external authority, building conscience instead of compliance.
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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