Publications
Partners
Marianne Williamson’s famous words have spread far and wide, and even Nelson Mandela was said to quote them at his presidential inauguration in 1994 (and he's commonly mistaken as the original source):
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we’re powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own lights shine, we unconsciously give other permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
It’s possible to see how the words could have been attributed to Madiba. His most significant legacy and contribution – freeing South Africa from the shackles of apartheid – feed into the theme of liberating oneself from our personal and immediate fears to help others do the same.
These concepts, such as tapping into one’s innate wisdom and allowing ourselves to shine in spite of adversity, are difficult to grasp, and often dismissed as too “New Age”. However, these concepts are critically important in order to foster resilience, understanding and self-awareness in ourselves and our communities.
Children have little control over their external environments, which are often harsh and complex. Daily coping mechanisms are necessary for both children and adults, but these start with the solid base of self-esteem and inner strength.
Building these is not the sole job of the individual, however. Society is not absolved from providing support and working for systemic change. It’s why the books from Brent Feinberg’s Freeing Freddie series are such an important contribution to the holistic education of people throughout their lives.
In particular, Feinberg’s latest book in the series, Revealing Freddie: the Light Within, is a useful tool. Indeed, the first book: Freeing Freddie: the Dream Weaver is a best seller and was endorsed by Deepak Chopra.
Do you know of any self-help books specifically for children? Share your recommended reads by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter.
As a species, we are made from stories. It’s a universal trait shared by all human beings. Both children and adults connect to stories when abstract concepts are made concrete, relatable, memorable and enjoyable.
Freddie, the endearing character of the book, is guided by the wise bee, Professor Honey, to see and share Freddie’s innate light with the world. Professor Honey reveals the three main aspects of the light: that everyone has it within and that we’re all connected; that one light can brighten an entire world; and that it only needs one candle to light the light of millions of others.
In the book, Freddie is handed his own candle as he stood in front of the forest folk. Professor Honey tells him: “Right, my friend. Use your candle to start lighting the candles of all the others.” When Freddie looks confused and perturbed because his candle isn’t lit, Professor Honey gives him a rock and flint stone.
“Freddie lit his candle. He then proceeded to light the candles in the first row. Those people and animals turned around and lit the second row of candles. This continued until everyone’s candles were lit. It was an awesome spectacle. The light shone and lit up all the trees. It was a truly magical sight.”
Professor Honey tells Freddie that Freddie’s own candle must be lit before it can light the other candles. “Can you see the power of one light, Freddie? The light that started with your one candle has lit up the whole rain forest. It all starts with you and your inner light shining as brightly as possible.”
- Also see: 10 Ways to raise strong, confident girls
“When I share Freddie’s lessons with young people... they feel empowered”
Author Brent Feinberg started his self-development journey at 12 years and is a sought-after integrative healer. At 28, he is a qualified body-talk practitioner and a triple Reiki master. He is the author and creator of “With Love from Freddie” – which is a business that delivers a series of workshops and books for children, teachers and adults in South Africa and the USA.
“When I share Freddie’s lessons with young people, they relate to it. They feel empowered,” says Brent. “Children hold a lot and deal with so much subconscious stress; I wanted to find an accessible way to shift this stress to make way for love, compassion, empathy, talent and potential. It’s like clearing the mud in a lake to see to the bottom.”
Accompanying Feinberg’s books are activity books for younger children and workbooks for teenagers. These additions cement the teachings in the book and allow children to do simple creative tasks to feel more empowered. Art also activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which works to calm the body and mind.
How do inner strength and an enhanced self-esteem show themselves?
“I was once terrified of speaking in public,” says Brent, “but the tools I developed allowed to me to see that fear is an illusion and that taking the plunge and addressing people made it easier to do it the next time.”
Feinberg has just returned from four months of immersing himself in yoga and meditation in India. His travels to Bali, Hawaii and Australia have deepened his conscious knowledge which he wants to share widely.
He has given 70% of the proceeds of Revealing Freddie to the Tomorrow Trust. A non-profit organisation, the Tomorrow Trust supports orphaned and vulnerable children, providing them with holistic education. This has had remarkable results. By providing financial support and regular access to caring adults, the Tomorrow Trust develops a love of learning and self-belief in its beneficiaries.
“Relationships are central to Tomorrow Trust’s work. I hope my books contribute to the deepening of relationships, friendships and love,” says Feinberg.
To order the Freeing Freddie book series, visit the Tomorrow Trust website.
GIVEAWAY
We have 1 set of Freeing Freddie, the Dream Weaver and the accompanying A Guide to Realising Your Dreams Workbook by Brent Feinberg and Kim Normand Feinberg to give away to one lucky reader. Simply subscribe to Parent24's regular newsletters by clicking here to stand a chance. This giveaway closes on midnight 5 December. The winner will be notified by email by 15 December. You can unsubscribe from our emails at any time.
Do you know of any self-help books specifically for children? Share your recommended reads by emailing to chatback@parent24.com and we could publish your letter.
Read more:
- This cartoon is promoting positive self-esteem in young children and we love it
- 5 ways to build your child's self-esteem
- 70% of girls feel they're "not good enough"
Sign up for our weekly newsletter to receive Parent24 stories directly to your inbox.
