Connecting with your Inner Child

Connecting with your Inner Child is a way to feel, empathize, and process your emotional reactions. The subconscious patterns that drive your nervous system state were formed in early childhood, but they continue to shape your emotional life as an adult.

In your mind’s eye, picture yourself as a small child or look at a childhood photo. Put your hand over your heart and ask:

• How are you doing today?
• What do you need?
• Is anything bothering you?
• How can I help you?
• How can I encourage you?
• What support do you need?

There are as many ways to connect with your Inner Child as there are people. There is no one right way to sense or work with your Inner Child just as there is no one right way to use our imagination. Remember that your child may communicate emotions nonverbally. Here are some ways that you might notice a response from your Inner Child:

• You notice a bodily sensation.
• You feel an emotion.
• You notice an impulse to move or take action.
• You have a knowing.
• You see an image or memory.
• You think of a story.

At first you might feel awkward and silly noticing how your Inner Child answers. You may feel like you are making it up! You are! If what you come up with makes you feel better, you know you are on the right track. You are creating new neural pathways for regulation and connection. There is no right or wrong way to do this. You have to experiment and discover what works for you.