YOGA + FITNESS / In The Practice
HOW TO CONNECT TO THE CHILD WITHIN As an adult, we can choose to exile our inner child, never fully healing our past wounds and cutting ourselves off from the lighthearted joys of this life. Alternatively, we can choose to reach out to that little one inside, offer them the love and care they needed growing up and hear what wisdom they have to share.
IF YOU … • Suffer from poor emotional and mental health • Repeat negative patterns • Can’t seem to kick unhealthy coping mechanisms • Have the same reoccurring issues in your relationships • Have trouble navigating interpersonal conflicts • Rely on hyper-independence to get by
… YOU MIGHT NEED TO GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR INNER CHILD.
CONNECT WITH
THE CHILD WITHIN by Selena Rodrigue z
W
e could all use a dose of soft, playful energy. Between the busy responsibilities of adulthood and the chaotic state of the world we navigate, it’s easy to dismiss the so-called “childish” virtues of play. But, the inner child inside of you is dying to help you remember how to give in to lighthearted adventure and exploration. In many cases, they also need your help healing past wounds. Inner child work seeks to mend the disconnection between ourselves and the child within each and every one of us.
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Who Is Your Inner Child? There are several psychology frameworks that refer to the concept of an inner child — attachment theory, Internal Family System and body-based somatic therapies, to name a few. But, you don’t need to be in a structured, professional setting to get to know your inner child. The inner child is an amalgamation of the curiosity and creativity we all naturally contain within us. This child can also harbor the hurt, pain and trauma that you’ve left unresolved.
So, how does one go about making this connection? First and foremost, acknowledge your inner child and validate the hardships they endured. Give yourself the space to sit with the pain and trauma of your youth. Acknowledge where these wounds might affect you as an adult. Once you open up this connection, there are a number of ways to strengthen the bond.
LET YOUR CURIOSITY GO WILD Look for bugs on a nature walk. Research a fun topic just for the heck of it. Like a wideeyed child, never forget how magical this world can be.
JOURNAL Use it as a way to check in with your inner child. See how they’re doing. What’s making them feel fussy that day? What can you do to make them feel more secure?
LEARN YOUR ATTACHMENT STYLE Attachment theory states that your relationship with your parents as a child will dictate how you present in relationships. Determine if you are secure, anxious or avoidant.
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