Embrace your inner child for healing

Growing up means taking on adult responsibilities and leaving behind the carefree innocence of childhood. However, neglecting our inner child can have negative effects on our overall emotional and mental well-being. While we may think of our inner child as a thing of the past, embracing it can bring us closer to healing some of the wounds from our past and rediscovering joy in our present.

What is an inner child?

Our inner child is a representation of our past self – the part of ourselves that is playful, curious, and imaginative. It is the version of us that was free from the burdens of adulthood and responsibility, and able to experience the world with wonder and delight.

For many of us, our inner child may hold wounds and traumas from our past – such as neglect or abuse. These experiences can create psychological and emotional injuries that manifest in adulthood. For example, a child who was subject to criticism may struggle with a negative self-image and low self-esteem as an adult.

How embracing our inner child can lead to healing:

Bringing our inner child into our adult lives can be a powerful tool for healing. Here are some of the key ways that embracing our inner child can lead to a happier, healthier life:

1. Recovering from past wounds – As we mentioned, many of us have experienced traumas and setbacks in our past that our inner child may still carry with us. For example, children who grew up in chaotic households may struggle with anxiety in adulthood. However, embracing our inner child can help us revisit those painful experiences from a new perspective. By acknowledging our inner child’s pain, we can start to bring healing to those wounds.
2. Cultivating joy and playfulness – Our inner child is naturally playful and curious. Infusing our adult lives with that same sense of joy and playfulness can help us cultivate more happiness and positivity day-to-day. For example, going for a walk in nature and stopping to collect wildflowers or playing a board game with friends can help to spark that sense of play that our inner child loves.
3. Renewing creativity – Our inner child is also highly imaginative and creative. Embracing that creativity can help us tap into new ideas and solutions – particularly when we are facing a difficult problem. For example, writing or journaling can be a powerful tool for unlocking our imagination and sparking new insights. Or, taking an art class or trying a new craft can help to reignite our creative spark.
4. Developing self-compassion – Many of us struggle with self-criticism and negative self-talk. However, by embracing our inner child, we can tap into self-compassion and self-love. For example, taking a moment to talk kindly to ourselves when we make a mistake or doing something kind for ourselves can help us develop a sense of self-love that translates beyond our inner child and into our adult lives.
5. Alleviating stress – Stress is a natural part of adult life, but it becomes more manageable when we can tap into our inner child’s curiosity and playfulness. Activities like coloring, playing with play-doh, or engaging in our favorite childhood pastimes can help us to feel calmer and more at ease.

Practices for embracing your inner child:

So how can you start embracing your inner child today? Here are some simple practices you can try out:

1. Take a walk down memory lane – Take some time to sit down and journal about your favorite childhood memories. What activities, people, and experiences brought you the most joy? Are there any patterns or themes that emerge?
2. Play! – One way to connect with your inner child is by engaging in activities that bring you joy. This might include a game of hide-and-seek with your kids, coloring in an adult coloring book, or playing with puppets.
3. Connect with your inner child through visualization exercises – Visualize a conversation with your inner child. Ask them what they need to feel safe and happy. Take the time to listen deeply to the answers you receive.
4. Face and heal past wounds – Ask yourself what past wounds your inner child may be carrying. Take time to sit with those feelings, and consider seeking out therapy or other support to work through those past experiences.
5. Practice self-compassion – Try to cultivate the same self-compassion for yourself that you would offer your inner child. When you make a mistake or feel down, take the time to speak kindly to yourself and offer yourself loving care.

In conclusion, embracing our inner child can lead to a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life. By doing so, we can start to heal the past wounds that may be holding us back, as well as cultivate joy, playfulness, creativity, and self-compassion in our present day-to-day lives. Start embracing your inner child today – it will change your life for the better.