Long before the beginning of recorded history, gold has been a valuable and highly sought-after precious metal, so valuable, that many alchemists have tried to reproduce it.
Gold still holds its place as a symbol of wealth and represents success in many societies. Great human achievements, or successes, are frequently rewarded with gold, either in the form of gold medals, golden trophies or other decorations. We reward children for their success or achievement with a “gold star” on their star chart. Children learn from an early age that “anything gold” is positive.
In today’s culture, gold is generally connected to terms implying something as good or great, for example:
You are as good as gold: you are very good.
Having a gold mine of information: an abundance of information.
The golden years: the “older” years when you have gained wisdom and experience.
All that glitters is not gold: just because something looks attractive does not mean it is genuine or valuable.
You have a heart of gold: to be generous, sincere and trustworthy.
Sitting on a gold mine: in control of something very valuable or successful.
Worth its weight in gold: very valuable
Gold has never been as valuable as it is today. Why is the price of gold so high at the moment, and why is gold so valuable to us in so many different ways? Gold has been frequently linked to a wide variety of symbols and ideologies and so gold does not only symbolize material wealth but also spiritual wealth and the power of wisdom. In the psychology of color, gold stands for ancient or inner wisdom, discernment and self-value. Ancient or inner wisdom is a higher understanding of what is of “true value” or “inner value.”
To have inner wisdom and an awareness of self-value is true wealth. We need to teach our children the true value (gold) in life: real gold is not just about money, but more about the value of integrity, self-worth and respect of life.
We are beginning to realize that inner values, like trust, friendship, health, care, relationships and honesty are of a higher value than the ownership of possessions. It is a timely reminder of the age-old saying that “not all that glitters is gold.” I don’t think that it is a coincidence at this point of time that the value of gold is high.
I believe that for our children’s real wealth in life lays in a feeling of confidence and self-worth. With self-confidence and respect for life, children can understand and transform themselves; they can turn a negative into a positive. Like the alchemist, they can transform a base metal or any experience into a valuable commodity of gold.
We need to teach our children the meaning of “The Golden Rule” – do unto others as you would have done unto you. The rule teaches them to empathize with other people including those who may be very different from us. Empathy is at the root of kindness, compassion, understanding and respect – qualities that we all appreciate being shown, no matter who we are, whatever we think and wherever we come from. When children learn to value others, they will also learn to value themselves.
The world is paying a high price for gold; could ancient wisdom and inner values become more valuable now, too? Is life offering us a golden opportunity to transform all our experiences into something of true value? Are we being given the opportunity to pass this ancient knowledge on to our children; to teach them the real value of gold in today’s world?
Within each of us lays a gold mine of information – a pot of gold. Go find it, dig it up, and discern what is of true value to us and our children.
The use of color and light for self-care has been used by ancient civilizations for over 5000 years. Decide for yourself if ancient wisdom can be applied in modern times, in modern classrooms.
By Thelma van der Werff
Thelma van der Werff has had a lifelong interest in spirituality and first began working with color using the Aura Soma color system several years ago. Color coaching came out of her desire to make an awareness and knowledge of the power of color more easily accessible. She has self-published five books about her work: Why Are You Wearing Those Colors?, Dress to Impress, The Power of Colour in Black & White, Colour First Aid Book and most recently How to understand children through the colours they choose. - More info
Pictures: Filmagen
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