Nurturing your inner child
Lately, I’ve been getting in touch with my inner child, thanks to our two-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter. We’ve been having so much fun coloring, drawing, and playing in the backyard with bubbles. But it’s also made me wonder: How well do I know my inner child, and am I giving her enough love and attention?
Every one of us has an inner child. We’re all born as joyful, free-spirited beings that are easily amazed with finger painting and butterflies. But as we grow up, we are told to be serious, mature, and responsible. The time for “games” and “play” is over for many of us as we move into adulthood. And so, it understandable why we tend to lose our childlike ways.
It’s never too late to get reacquainted with your inner child, no matter how long it’s been since you connected. Understanding inner child work can help us heal our long-standing hurts and allow us to play again. Many people work with a therapist to sift through their childhood memories or trauma to help them heal their inner child. This kind of work unlocks our creativity, joy, passion, and potential.
Here are some actions you can take to nurture your own inner child.
If you have kids, or grandchildren, observe and learn from them. They are naturally mindful and capable of being present and enjoying each moment with great curiosity. Even the most seemingly mundane things can bring delight to children.
Make time to do something creative. Creativity is therapeutic and cathartic. Allow your inner child the space to be creative.
Use your imagination. Fantasize and daydream. This will raise your vibration and bring more joy into your life.
Laugh out loud. Laughter will improve your mood and raise your vibration.
Spend time in nature. Go for a hike or walk barefoot on the beach. Try to do so without needing to listen to a podcast or a playlist—this will allow you to be present and more readily connect with your surroundings.
Take a photo of something that inspires you.
Play! Allow yourself to play again! You will feel so rejuvenated and happy after you do so. If you’re having a hard time coming up with something to do, think back to your own childhood: What did you enjoy doing most? Can you incorporate something similar into your life now?
Listen to music. Listening to music releases dopamine in your brain and makes you happier.
Get your body moving. Find a physical activity you enjoy doing (this could be something you used to do as a kid). Take a dance class. Or if group classes aren’t your thing, blast the music and dance around your living room.
As you embark on this journey to get in touch with your inner child, be loving and patient with yourself and start small. Read the list above and try one thing that jumps out at you. By exploring and understanding what our inner child needs, we grant ourselves permission to heal, grow, and love ourselves unconditionally. And the best part is: We get to play while doing it.