How the Best Traditions Help Adolescents Lead Healthier Lives -- And How They Can Alter Adults' Stereotypical Views of Them

Rite of passage ceremonies for adolescents have increasingly become a thing of the past. But several meaningful coming-of-age observances are still holding their own, and even experiencing a resurgence. I learned this, as I learn so many things, while holding a Socrates Cafe, on this occasion with members of a Multicultural Club for youth. It convenes in the greater metropolitan glop of Phoenix, Arizona. My wife Ceci and I once lived in the area; she was a literacy instructor, and I held Socratic dialogues in some coffee houses and schools, including the one where this group was formed. Whenever I'm back, I have an open invitation here to facilitate a Socrates Cafe. We are examining the question, "What are the best traditions?" "The best traditions help you feel more connected -- with the past, the present, the future, with yourself, even with your society," says Hisa, whose family came here from Osaka, Japan, two years ago after his father was brought aboard to steer an information technology firm. "In Japan, we have a national tradition called Seigin no Hi, which means 'Coming of Age Day.' It welcomes youth into the world of adulthood. But it's also supposed to help us realize that now that we're adults, a lot of new responsibilities and opportunities come with that," he tells us. "The Seigin no Hi was started by a young prince in 715 AD, and it became an officially established tradition by the government in 1948. Government officials give speeches, they hand out ...
Source: Healthy Living - The Huffington Post - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news