A thousand factors impact our lives; influencing and carving a mark on it. As children we are dependent on others and most of our behaviour is learned through direct or indirect observations. Our trials, victories, heart aches and needs all are bundled up inside us. As we grow up, we find coping strategies that fit the expectations of society. However, emotions are not concrete blocks but fluid energy that needs release. Since we are not equipped to deal with pain, disappointment and anger in a healthy way (that is to acknowledge, accept, feel and release them in a positive way) these feelings simply lurk beneath the surface and they make us more reactive than responsive.
A powerful tool and one of the most effective ways to heal is to get in touch with our inner child, our roots. Imagine a child throwing a tantrum over and over for attention but never gets the love they need. Our emotions are representative of our trapped, tantrum throwing inner child. It needs to be acknowledged, loved and allowed the freedom to express in a positive way.
Through meditation, guided meditations, or being aware of the reason of our reactions we can tune into the unfulfilled needs of the inner child and give it the love and support it deserves.
Start by –
1. Listening to the inner child with an empathetic ear
2. Acknowledge their pain and allow self to feel it
3. Watch when the inner self reacts or is afraid, breathe and imagine that you are talking to them, even hugging them. Ask the inner child what it needs. Give it validation.
These few steps will bring up a lot of emotions to the surface. Its like purging your life of unfulfilled emotional baggage that you might not be even aware of. Accept, forgive and let go. Assure your inner child that it was the past, and now we are in it together. Although these few steps have helped me tune in, I would recommend therapy for any unresolved trauma or conflict. Mental health is not a joke. Mental health is not a taboo.
Have you tried connecting with your inner child? What was your experience?
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