You have probably heard the term “inner child”, and visualized a younger version of yourself somewhere inside your body and/or mind. We have often used it as a form of expression, such as “I am channeling my inner child”, when engaging in youthful activities. But, little do most people know, that our life experiences through all stages of life, can either strengthen or wound this inner child. For those who have experienced healthy, balanced, and positive memories, one’s inner child can be fun, creative, and hopeful. Whereas, for those who may have experienced trauma, challenges, and hardships, can have the opposite effect. One’s inner child may be deeply wounded, which can trigger feelings of fear, anger, shame, and guilt. This particularly shows up in one’s relationships and interactions with others.

So, if you are noticing the latter, and want to heal, the first step is getting to know your inner child. Notice what child-like and underdeveloped emotions are connected with your past experiences. It is best to consider early experiences, because typically, that is where our inner child is most impacted. Once you have done this very important step, it is time to nurture it. Here are a few ways that you can heal and nurture your inner child:

1

Recollect events of early childhood

This is not something particularly easy to do, especially if you have experienced trauma and/or other hardships that make it difficult to access. Try using meditation as a method of accessing these memories, and if it helps, try and acknowledge the feelings and senses associated with these early childhood memories, instead of focusing on the details of events.
2

Confront these childhood memories with your current adult knowledge

The benefits of getting to know your inner child as an adult is that you can apply your adult knowledge, and reason, to help confront your childhood memories. You no longer have to rely on your defense mechanisms and/or maladaptive coping strategies to help you deal with distressing feelings and memories.
3

Make non-judgmental discoveries

Have compassion for yourself and what comes up for you! Exploring and experiencing these memories without shame or remorse, will help you cultivate that compassion you need. It will help teach you how to respond, as opposed to react.
4

Raise up any tension associated with early experiences, and release

Trauma and distress can be stored in the body; therefore, it is important that we notice if there is any tension, constriction, or any other types of physical ailments that develop in the body in reaction to what we have experienced in early childhood. Once this is brought to our awareness, raise it up and release it. Think yoga, “Inhale positivity, oxygen and well-being; and, exhale what no longer serves you.”
5

Give yourself unconditional acceptance

When we give ourselves unconditional acceptance of the things that cannot be changed, that ultimately becomes our resolution.

Thank you for taking the time to read this blog post. Sending positivity and blessings to all of those on their healing journey!

By Randi Davis

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Randy Davis, LCSW, PPSC

Author Randy Davis, LCSW, PPSC

LCSW, PPSC -Licenced Clinical Social Worker, Children’s Therapist, Certified Yoga Instructor More Blogs by this Author

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