The healing power of inner child meditation: connection to our inner selves
Have you ever been in the middle of a conversation and suddenly, you aren’t the one in control? My husband and I were packing for a trip, we were excited to go. I asked him if I should back a bathing suit, and he responded casually with “Well of course you should you dummy, we’re going to a lake to swim! Man, you just aren’t good enough” I can’t tell you how angry I became. We got into a pretty big fight over that, me defending myself and my worth. Him, confused as to why I took this comment so negatively. Well…you may have already guessed, he didn’t actually say those things. That’s what my inner child heard though, that’s what she told me he really meant when he said “Sure, bring a suit, we’re going to the lake.”
As we navigate through life, we accumulate experiences that shape who we are and how we interact with the world around us. These experiences can often lead to emotional and psychological wounds that may manifest in various forms, such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. At times, these wounds may stem from our childhood, which can affect our behavior and thoughts as adults. However, by connecting with our inner child, we can begin to increase our awareness of these wounds and cultivate a more compassionate and authentic relationship with ourselves in the present moment.
Understanding Inner Child Awareness
Inner child healing is a process of reconnecting with the emotional state of the child we once were, allowing us to understand the root causes of our emotional wounds. Through this process, we can learn to acknowledge and accept the aspects of our childhood that still affect us today. This understanding can help us recognize how our past experiences shape our current emotional and behavioral patterns, allowing us to move forward with greater emotional intelligence and awareness.
Practicing Inner Child Meditation
Inner child meditation is a powerful tool for connecting with and becoming aware of our inner child and in essence building that muscle so that we can become more aware of when our inner child shows up. To practice inner child meditation, find a quiet and comfortable space where you will not be disturbed. Begin by focusing on your breath and allowing your mind to quiet. Visualize a younger version of yourself, and bring to mind any memories or emotions that arise. You might want to be curious about what they need, how they feel or what they’re thinking. You can also use guided visualizations, affirmations, or journaling exercises to support your practice. You can find my inner child meditation here.
Benefits of Inner Child Awareness
Through inner child healing, we can gain greater insight into our emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and learn to approach ourselves with greater compassion and understanding. This process can lead to improved relationships, greater emotional resilience, and an increased sense of self-worth and self-love. By working with our inner child, we can develop a more integrated and balanced sense of self, allowing us to move forward with greater peace and purpose. Had I been aware that my inner child had taken over and was interpreting that conversation between my husband and I, I could have saved us both a lot of trouble.
Conclusion
In conclusion, inner child meditation is a powerful tool for healing emotional wounds and cultivating a more authentic and compassionate relationship with ourselves. Through understanding and practicing inner child meditation, we can gain greater insight into our emotional patterns and learn to approach ourselves with greater compassion and understanding. The benefits of inner child healing can extend to all areas of our lives, leading to improved relationships, emotional resilience, and a greater sense of self-worth and self-love.
