By apurva 
Healing the inner child is a step toward understanding and caring for that part of you that holds on to past experiences and emotions from early childhood. Mindfulness practices may help in this endeavor greatly. They help a person make gentle, non-judgmental contact with himself. This blog will explore some simple mindfulness practices that can help heal and nurture your inner child.
What Is the Inner Child?
The inner child refers to that aspect of yourself that still feels and thinks like a child. Your inner child stands for a part of you holding up to childhood memories, feelings, and experiences. At times, old injuries from childhood can mess with how you feel and act today. Healing your inner child is about coming to grips with and dealing with these old injuries to bring solace and growth.
Why does Mindfulness help?
Mindfulness is a state of being aware of your feelings, thoughts, and surroundings without judgment. It helps you tune in better to yourself so that you can understand and provide for the needs of your inner child. Below are some accessible mindfulness practices that can aid in healing your inner child.
Gentle Breathing
How to Practice:
- Find a comfortable seated or lying position.
- Close your eyes and breathe deeply through your nose.
- Exhale slowly through your mouth.
- Continue for some minutes, focusing on your breath and how calm it makes you feel.
Inner Child Visualization
It’s a technique where one imagines a scene or situation. For inner child healing, you can visualize yourself as a child and comfort and reassure that part of you. This exercise will help you understand the younger version of you and take care of old wounds.
How to Practice:
- Sit calm and close your eyes.
- Imagine yourself as a child. See how you looked, felt, and dressed.
- Be nice to your inner child, and let him know that he is safe and loved.
- Let him know that you are with him, protecting and comforting him like a soft hug or some other kind of encouragement.
Journaling
How to Practice:
- Find a quiet space and take out a journal or notebook.
- Write a letter to your inner child. Begin with “Dear Inner Child,” and state what you are thinking and feeling.
- Describe what you think their experience has been like and offer them support and love.
- Read your letter out loud or keep it in your journal for personal reflection.
Self-Compassion
Self-compassion, or self-mercy, is the capacity to treat ourselves with the same consideration and kindness that we quickly would with a close friend. In this regard, there is no fear of giving in to self-compassion when your feelings have been hurt, or you are uptight. Be aware of the feeling and then soothe your inner child.
How to Practice:
- It is crucial to pause and take note whenever negative self-talk or self-criticism drifts into your conscious mind.
- Softly reassure yourself that it is okay to feel exactly the way you are feeling.
- Speak kindly to yourself and assure yourself that you deserve love and understanding.
- Practice talking to yourself as you would do to your best friend.
Playful Activities
Playful activities allow one to connect with the inner child. Things that one did or was interested in during childhood—drawing, playing video games, or going for a walk in nature—are some of the things that can give joy and foster healing.
How to Practice:
- Choose something you used to enjoy as a child or choose a new activity that you think might be fun.
- Set aside a period to work on this activity with no other distractions.
- Let go, be present, and have fun.
- Notice how this playful time helps you feel more in connection with your inner child.
Mindful Walking
Walking with full awareness of your surroundings and body is walking mindfully. This practice helps you to be present and to connect with your inner child by experiencing the world in a simple, sensory way.
How to Practice:
- Find a safe, quiet place to walk.
- As you walk, become aware of your body’s sensations, including those of your feet, when they come into contact with the ground.
- Notice that everything that comes into view is audible and smelled.
- Let thoughts of happy childhood memories come into your mind as you walk.
Listening to Music
Music is a strong modulator of emotions and soothes the inner child. It involves listening to songs from your childhood years or other songs that make you feel good. Music also initiates the linking of positive memories and emotions associated with your inner child.
How to Practice:
- Prepare a playlist of the songs that you liked in your childhood years or those that uplift you.
- Find a comfortable place where you can sit down or even lie back.
- Now, listen to the music, and let it bring out your memories and feelings.
- Let loose—really let go and allow yourself to enjoy the music along with the feelings.
Affirmations
Affirmations are positive statements that help build self-love and confidence. Use affirmations and reassure your inner child. These will help shift your mindset and begin to heal old wounds.
How to Practice:
- Write positive affirmations that feel good in your soul. Some might be, “I am loved,” or “I am safe.”
- Sit in a quiet space and repeat these affirmations out loud or silently to yourself.
- Visualize the truth of these affirmations being comforted by your inner child.
- Repeat daily as needed or daily for daily support.
Conclusion
Using mindfulness practices to heal your inner child is a gentle, compassionate way to connect with yourself. Please bring the following very simple techniques into your day and let them comfort and support the part of you that holds on to past experiences. Remember, healing is a journey, so be gentle and patient with yourself as you embrace these mindfulness practices to help heal your inner child. Greater peace and understanding will begin entering your life.