A characteristic of our computer age is the ease with which youngsters can "crack the system". Young achievers are a remarkable feature of the times, and they are challenging the adult world and paradigms in many ways.

      A less happy characteristic of the same period was the emergence of many young children who were labeled as having Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or ADHD (Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity).

Are the two associated? Is either associated with the emergency of a new type of human being?

Learning Difficulties:
      Frequently complaints of teachers were about the lack of attention, short concentration span, or inability of increasing numbers of children to remain still, which resulted in the child being prescribed calming drugs such as Ritalin. This quiets behaviour, and the child is more manageable. However, whilst undoubtedly assisting some, it is often disputed that it actually deals with the source of the "problem" for the majority of children, who do not wish to take the drug. A few years ago, Eric Jensen, a visiting American educationist, remarked that of the 5% of American children who were on such drugs, .05% should be. In South African, there are now classes where children NOT on Ritalin are the exception to the rule.

      Reports by psychologists frequently show that these children have an above average age-level ability in at least one area (often reading) and sometimes in several, but fail at school. The easiest solution is to keep the child back or recommend "special education". This may result in deteriorating performances, since there is a likely link with boredom in the original under-performance. It would appear that the child does not want to be in school and is not interested in the run-of-the-mill school subjects.

      For the past few years, I have been assisting many such children, for hard-pressed teachers have larger classes now, and more varied problems to deal with, and cannot give the much-needed individual attention that children undoubtedly need, especially those who are not motivated. The latter are sometimes referred to me. Given the equivalent of driving lessons for the brain, a few "survival skills", and a belief in their own ability, most children are then able to cope at least with the demands of their teachers and the examinations system. They know that their purpose in life is not to go to school, but something more.

      Is it coincidence that the emergence of this "educationally-challenged child" has been simultaneous with the increase in numbers of children all over the world who seem different, and even have a different "colour" in their aura?

The Green Children of the East:
      Traditionally in Japan, the "life-light" of most men is blue, with yellow light associated with women. Pink light was associated with rare, psychic individuals who were not commonly understood. Today a new green colour is becoming more frequent.

      In 1995 a Japanese writer Mayumi Mori noted the appearance of what she called "Homo Superior" amongst children, asking, "Are these children, then, the first members of a new, "improved" race, the next step after homo sapiens?" (From I to We, New World Group, 1995). She writes:

      Some of the children that are being born now are so different from their parents that ... it is "as though Earth humans are giving birth to extraterrestrials". This appearance of green life-light is a new stage of evolution... These children have to carry much heavier burdens than their parents do, but then they have greater capacities to do so. The body makeup and abilities of the human species is being completely renovated... there will be difficulties in adjusting, particularly since the parents will not completely understand them. It is natural for the children to have some behaviour problems as today's society was not designed to accommodate them ... The success of the whole project will depend entirely on the ability and willingness of the old-type humans to accept the newcomers. (p.142)

      This is seen as a world process, as we move from Chi-no-ri (characterized by polarities, separation, hierarchies, cycles, cause and effect, and material-centered) to Ten-no-ri, a holistic and universal time, when thoughts may be realized, and karma erased.

The Indigo Children of the West:
      In 1998 a similar phenomenon was mentioned by Lee Carroll (Kryon VI, Partnering with God) - the appearance of a new type of child (many now young adults), described as having an indigo "colour" (aura). In 1999 Lee Carroll and Jan Tober published The Indigo Children, comprising reports and extracts from a number of psychologists and educationists, in which the matter is dealt with in more detail.

      What are the characteristics of the "indigo" child? They are noticeably different to the "normal" child: they do not like to be treated as children, they like to be shown respect, they seem to "know who they are" and wish to be treated accordingly. They prefer the truth to lies and subtle attempts to manipulate them are not likely to be successful. Attempts to punish them are likely to fail, and adults who wish to discipline young Indigoes must learn to be more forthright, giving explanations, so that the child take responsibility and self-discipline is practiced.

      There appears to be a frequent overlap between the indigo children, and those labeled ADD/ADHD. Not all "indigos" are ADD however, and not all ADD children are Indigos. Many Indigos do not perform well in school, but show occasional bursts of genius, with marks ranging from A to H in various subjects. Others cope, but remain quiet. They participate willingly, if allowed to contribute meaningfully, rather than when treated in a patronizing or authoritarian manner.

      For those of us interested in metaphysics, there can be little doubt that these new humans are here with purpose, and that this purpose is undoubtedly associated with the approaching end of this period of earth history. This unverified "cosmic" knowledge can moreover be linked with theories such as Jung's collective unconscious, or Rupert Sheldrake's morphic resonance.

      Many scientists, such as Ornstein, have now given us knowledge of the hidden genius of the human mind, and developed our understanding of the functions of the brain's hemispheres. The materialism of the West and the mysticism of the East may almost be seen in left and right brain terms, but as Gary Zukav wrote in The Dancing Wu-li Masters, the gap between East and West has been bridged by the New Physics. Quantum Physics has been made comprehensible by writers such as Danah Zohar, or Deepak Chopra, and can in turn be linked to the development of Neuro-Linguistic Programming, which looks at the impact of thoughts (energy) on events. Others have provided the new tools to unlock that potential, such as techniques for lateral thinking, or for kinesiology (Brain Gym) (Kline, Buzan, De Bono, Dennison).

      The more we become aware of the links between spiritual and physical realities, the greater becomes our need to find a balance between the two. Some people are eager to make the next "quantum leap", but this leap cannot happen to selected individuals alone. And we must therefore work together not only in understanding the new children, but in assisting them in achieving their potential, in whatever way we can. "From I to We" - we are part of their purpose, as they are of ours.

Parents of Indigo children:
      Love them, and guide them; don't treat them as babies! And don't try to change them. Be firm, but flexible.

Teachers of Indigo children:
      Many of you were trained in the old paradigm: Children should be seen and not heard, should do as they're told, and respect their elders. My old poster read: Lord, Give me Patience - But be Quick! Throw this one away and become tolerant and understanding; allow the children to assist in finding solutions. These children will give you respect - if you deserve it.

      As the old saying goes, we can choose to be part of the problem, or part of the solution: We are all involved, let us evolve together.

by Dr Elaine Lee