Last night at the video store, I ran across a video called Indigo. Though I didn't rent the film, I did come home and do some reading on this "new phenomenon of heightened consciousness in children". Here is one list of characteristics; here, another. Here is a list of adult characteristics.

I'm all for one believing whatever spiritual/metaphysical line of reasoning or connection that brings one happiness, a sense of worth and inner peace, but much of these defintions read alternately like an exultation of poor social skills and a declaration of some of the most mundane human characteristics as profound evidence of inherent cosmic enlightenment.

Any thoughts?

I like bacon.

What?

This is my understanding of what it is to be INDIGO. If this is you, then you too could be INDIGO.

Some of your aspirations tend to be pretty unrealistic. At times you are extroverted, affable, sociable, while at other times you are introverted, wary and reserved. You have found it unwise to be too frank in revealing yourself to others. You pride yourself on being an independent thinker and do not accept others' opinions without satisfactory proof. You prefer a certain amount of change and variety, and become dissatisfied when hemmed in by restrictions and limitations. At times you have serious doubts as to whether you have made the right decision or done the right thing. Disciplined and controlled on the outside, you tend to be worrisome and insecure on the inside.

Your sexual adjustment has presented some problems for you. While you have some personality weaknesses, you are generally able to compensate for them. You have a great deal of unused capacity which you have not turned to your advantage. You have a tendency to be critical of yourself. You have a strong need for other people to like you and for them to admire you.

More Here
New age nonsense for the MTV generation.

I read a little about "Indigo Children" a while ago after seeing the term used on a website I visited. Seems to me like some people don't want to accept that their bright kid is also a problem kid. "My Suzie isn't a brat! She's on a mystical mission to enlighten the universe and her intense intelligence and self-awareness prevents her from behaving. Now let's all hop in the minivan and head to Sedona for an alignment."

It also seems like an excellent way for an author to make a few dollars off of the guillable by inventing a newage trend. The whole thing just rubs me the wrong way. And I'm a big ol' flake, spiritually speaking, so it's not that I'm a hard core skeptic. But hey, if it shakes your maracas and you're not hurting anyone, I say be as indigo as you wanna be.

I keep trying to believe that my son is an Indigo kid but then when I float this theory by him we both just end up laughing hysterically. There are plenty of them here in Asheville along with their annoying hippie parents - they all get on our nerves.

Over at James Randi's site - he's the king of the sceptics in case you're wondering - there's a rather wonderful post about Indigo Children and Activated DNA.

Sounds like an attempt to label or quantify (and even justify!) an ongoing and evolving human condition.

It might be nice to know you aren't alone, but you don't need a label or movement to prove these kinds of things to yourself.

And labels and differentiated "movements" are kind of anti-love, IMHO. Love is all that matters, yo.

George Carlin said it best: if every adult's also special, it would mean all people are special and the expression no longer retains any meaning.

Then there's this amusing AskMe on the subject.

I'd much prefer to be a shocking pink child, myself.

I'd much prefer to be a shocking pink child, myself.

Almost lost my tea on that one. While I keep a very open mind spiritually, I think parents of exceptional children are looking for a deeper meaning to communication and process issues with their kids. Parents of exceptional children can be very haggard and this belief system can give them a sense of relief. It's mostly harmless, unless, of course, it promotes a sense of elitism between Indigo/non-Indigo kids and parents.

It sounds like an excuse to encourage your child to be a self-absorbed twit.

The Widipedia article (linked to in the AskMe) has good info and links.

I'd much prefer to be a shocking pink child, myself.

No no no, melissamay. Better to be Shocking Blue.

Yeah baby, she's got it!!

Ah, Shocking Blue -- how could I forget? You can be it, and we'll just have to hope that soon all the other colors will join us to become one shockingly fabulous spiritual rainbow!

Good plan, but I must insist there be unicorns involved.

Whew!

I thought you said, "Wendigo childern."

"children."

Funny, considering the DURGS post below.