Our Children - Our Child Self

It's well-established that the energies and frequencies in our environment significantly impact our well-being and sense of calm. Additionally, every parent and caregiver knows from experience that babies are soothed when they are picked up, gently rocked and carried.

Research published in Current Biology on April 18, 2013, confirms that babies universally calm down when carried, a response seen in both human infants and mouse pups. This automatic calming mechanism is deeply rooted in our evolutionary biology, helping ensure the survival of our species by soothing crying when held.

For parents, understanding this natural response can prevent the misinterpretation of crying as manipulation, which challenges outdated parenting strategies like "cry it out."

For those of us who were raised with such methods, engaging in "Healing Our Child-Self" work can be beneficial.

This should not be confused with Inner Child work. The concept of the inner child refers to the childlike aspect within our unconscious mind, a sub-personality that can become prominent when we face challenges.

Healing Our Child Self

Here are some alternative child-self healing meditations:

Child Self Dialogue Meditation

The focus of this practice is building a connection with your  child self and addressing their emotional needs.

This meditation involves visualizing yourself as a child and engaging in a compassionate dialogue. You might start by inviting your child self - from a memory of a very early age -  to sit with you in a safe and comfortable space. Ask them how they are feeling and what they need from you. Respond with love, understanding, and reassurance.

Safe Place Visualization

The focus of this practice is offering safety and security to your inner child.

Create a mental image of a safe and nurturing place where your child self can feel secure and loved. Spend time in this visualization, interacting with your child self and providing them with comfort and protection.

Reparenting Meditation

The focus of this practice is reparenting and nurturing your  child self's needs.

This practice involves visualizing yourself as a caring parent to your  child self. You guide them through activities that nurture their emotional well-being, such as comforting them, providing encouragement, and showing affection.

Healing Light Meditation

The focus of this practice is healing and soothing emotional wounds with light.

Imagine a warm, healing light surrounding your child self. Visualize this light dissolving any pain or hurt, filling them with love, peace and joy. Let the light envelop both you and your child self, healing any emotional wounds.

Forgiveness Meditation

The focus of this practice is forgiveness and letting go of past grievances.

This meditation focuses on forgiving yourself and others for past hurts. Visualize your child self in a situation where they were hurt or neglected. Offer forgiveness to those involved, including yourself, and see the situation transforming into one of healing and resolution.

Child Self Playtime 

The focus of this practice is reconnecting with joy and playfulness.

Engage your child self in a playful activity through meditation. Visualize doing something fun and joyful together, such as playing a game or exploring a favorite place. Allow yourself to experience the joy and freedom of being in your child self’s world.

Affirmation Meditation 

The focus of this practice is reinforcing positive self-beliefs and self-worth.

Use positive affirmations to nurture your child self and yourself consequently. Repeat affirmations such as "You are loved," "You are safe," and "You are worthy" while visualizing your child self receiving these messages. Let these affirmations sink deeply into your child self’s being. 

Feel free to adapt these meditations to suit your personal needs and preferences.

To be continued...