Enchanted Mama: Feats of Courage::

Courage. Strength. Hope.

This past Friday there was a festival at my children's school honoring all these characteristics. Reminding us to look at what we wish to take into the next season and what we wish to change about ourselves. Essentially, owning the courage and strength to face our own dragons.

A dragon manned by older students, some wearing converse tennis shoes, showed us the meaning of overcoming our fears. Essentially "taming" the dragon within. Honoring the courage that each of us hold within to stand up for ourselves, our families and our communities.

In the kindergarten the children were given golden capes and swords. Then, they followed the "feats of courage" to save the princess and triumph over the dragon. They jumped over the flaming dragon fire. Waded through the icy waters. Climbed the dragons back and rescued the princess. In the castle they were knighted by the queen and rewarded with a precious stone and a golden pouch.

With the dragon "tamed" they are victorious. At least until the next child begins his/her feats of courage and the dragon is given full license to arise once more.

It is beautiful to see the faces of the newly named knights. My own little knight has slept with his stone of courage under his pillow since Friday. He has been seen wearing his pouch all over the house.

Even my littlest attempted his own "Feats of Courage". Jumping off rocks. Scaling fences. Climbing to the top of an oh-so-tall-play structure. A brave knight in the making.

The dragon bread was celebrated and honored before being eaten. It was yummy.

With courage and strength awakened in our hearts we went home for some much needed rest. "Feats of Courage" can really take it out of you. Our weekend was quiet and restful. Hope yours was too.