While there are numerous resources today for adults who are pursuing a journey of personal expansion, growth, evolution, and spirituality, it is not that common to have the same kind of resources for children. One outstanding resource to help children expand their consciousness from a young age and connect with their spirituality is an animated film called The Little Soul and the Sun. You can see the video trailer above.
This title may sound familiar as this movie is an animation of the best-selling children’s book from Neale Donald Walsch called The Little Soul and the Sun: A Children’s Parable Adapted from Conversations With God.
In this review article, I will share with you about this film and how it can help you teach your kids important spiritual life lessons. After all, one of the best things we can do for children is to teach them from an early age about what precious and magnificent beings they are and the nature of their soul and role of forgiveness. In addition, you may find valuable and enlightening messages in this movie for yourself to enhance your spiritual growth and evolution.
Background of the Little Soul and The Sun
In 1998, after writing several of the Conversations with God, thanks to inspiration and overwhelming feedback from his fans, author Neale Donald Walsch put together a children’s book called The Little Soul and the Sun: A Children’s Parable Adapted from Conversations With God. A few years later, Neale was approached to have the story transformed into an animation by producer, Patrick Cheh founder of Waking Up Media. Neale agreed, and four years later in 2008, the animated film based on the book The Little Soul and the Sun was released.
Neale Donald Walsch was one of the executive producers, and he is also featured in the film in several ways; he provides the introductory commentary, which I will share in the video clip below, and he is also the voice of God.
Overview of the Little Soul and the Sun
The DVD of The Little Soul and the Sun includes 3 parts:
A 3-minute introduction by Neale Donald Walsch (as shown above).
A half an hour animated film for kids.
A half-hour reflection by Neale Donald Walsch for adults.
The story is about a little boy who encounters a bully at school and wonders why bad things happen to good people. A conversation with his mom takes him on a journey into a world where he gets to understand the nature of his existence and that of other souls. Through this fable, the little boy gets to have his own conversation with God, from whom he learns about the nature of souls, love and what forgiveness is really all about. The next day at school, the little one is put in a tough situation where the actions he takes, allow him to put into practice some of what he has learned.
Personal Commentary
Being a huge fan of Neale Donald Walsch and his work, I had no doubt that I was going to enjoy this resource, and indeed I did. The animation is adorable and the settings for each scene are terrific and dreamy. The colors are vibrant and the characters are very cute, especially the little boy. It will leave you giggling at times, and perhaps also like me with tears in your eyes upon hearing the powerful messages shared in it for us all to remember. As a side note, I also really liked that the packaging it came in was made from environmentally sustainable paper products.
I think children will really enjoy this animation, as it will not only entertain, but really make them think too and make sense of the world and people around them. I can see some adults thinking that children might not “get it” – but I think we have to give more credit to our children, as they get some things much better than we do as adults. Also, I can see this movie being played over and over many times, if the little one encounters a problem, or just to remind them of the wonderful story and messages.
As I have learned many times, children’s films are not only for children, and this movie was a perfect example of that. Usually, children’s movies have amazing lessons for us as adults, and this animation holds that truth to a whole new level. I have heard of many people buying this for some children in the family, only to keep it for themselves, and have to get another copy.
This movie is designed for children who are about 4 to 10 years old. I don’t recommend it for children younger than 4, as the themes will be too complex and I am not a proponent of children that young watching much digital programming if any at all. Older kids, above 10, would still learn a lot from it but may be more reluctant to see it if they think it is too childish. Either way, adults of all ages can be entranced by the loving messages of this film, just be sure not to underestimate the emotional power of this film and what it may bring out in you.
My hope is that this film leaves the whole family talking about some very crucial lessons where love and forgiveness are concerned. If you don’t have any little ones in your life at this time, you may still be interested in this film, as it will really make you think about your own life, and how you live out the messages of love and forgiveness. Ultimately this message is ageless and timeless.
The basis of the film revolves around talking to God but it is non-denominational in nature and should be suitable for all faiths. I would love to say that everyone will appreciate this film and see the positive value that it has, but I know that is just not going to be the case given how opinionated people are today. Each person will process it based on their own spiritual filters and perception.
The underlying message of a bully at school will resonate with all too many kids and parents alike today. If you know of a child who is struggling with a bully, this is that much more of a fantastic film to share with them. However, for those of you who are not facing that and have little ones, don’t wait till they encounter problems like that in their life. Help them understand their own magnificence and the purpose of all sorts of souls and life experiences out there as soon as possible. Help them understand and come to know love, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion as they grow and develop. Empower them to be able to face life’s challenges in the most loving and compassionate of ways, without hurting others or themselves.
The only downside of the film that I want to point out is that if the messages in the film are not properly explained as part of a family talk afterward, it could leave the children with some false messages. Of course, this could be said about any movie. For example, one of the main scenes is where the little boy does not tell his teacher the truth about what happened with the bully but rather covers for him since they found a peaceful solution together. This can be seen as lying to protect a bully and give children the wrong message about what should and shouldn’t be reported to adults and caretakers in their home and school environment.
As for the message Neale shares with adults, it is brilliant! In about half an hour, Neale explains what I feel are some of the most important topics from the Conversations with God” trilogy. If you have found yourself suffering in your life, whether you think it is because of others or your life situation, allow yourself to hear this message. It has been the age-old question: Why do good things happen to bad people? The truth is they don’t have to; it all depends on how we create our lives and perceive ourselves and other people in any given situation.
Conclusion
For more information, I invite you to visit the official site of The Little Soul and the Sun to learn more about the film. And don’t forget that there is also the book the film was based on that can be purchased to help children connect to be more in tune with their spiritual nature: The Little Soul and the Sun: A Children’s Parable Adapted from Conversations With God.