The kid inside all of us helps guide our emotions and natural responses. When integrated in a healthy way, your inner child feels safe, protected, and at peace.
While the term inner child is typically used in relation to things like trauma, it can be a beneficial area for anyone to explore who is seeking a more holistic sense of self.
No matter what your childhood looked like, it’s important to not brush past acknowledging this unique part of yourself. Being in tune with your inner child can help you be more present, deepen your intuition, better identify and control your emotional responses.
Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.
Joseph Campbell
Whether you’re working through past wounds or simply looking for ways to cultivate childlike wonder, here are 7 simple activities to connect with your inner child.
1. Create art for art’s sake
Color a picture without worrying about it being perfect or even realistic. Draw outside the lines, make grass purple or the sky lime green. This can also be a useful tip if you’re struggling to Overcome Creative Block!
You could also sketch a favorite movie character, draw a plant, or even hand letter a meaningful quote. If you’re not used to creating art freely, it may take some practice to not overthink how it will turn out.
Kids color without a care, so remember it’s more about the process of creating and means of expression, rather than having a clear purpose or making it look professional.
2. Be present in God’s presence
Brew some coffee or a hot cup of your favorite tea. Spend time in prayer, just chatting with God about your day, sharing any concerns, frustrations, happy moments, or simply listen to music and sit in His presence. Talk with Him like you would your best friend, reminiscing on memories or dreaming of future years ahead.
Be fully in tune while sipping your drink, knowing with each moment of intention, Heaven is listening. Whether you talk a lot, or a little, or say nothing at all, draw close to Him, for He just wants your heart.
3. Set out a plate
Plan a picnic or meal at home with your favorite food. Set out an extra place setting for our ever present Savior and friend. Nine out of ten times, this will probably feel plain silly, but try to push back any negative thoughts.
Instead, focus on the value of acknowledging the God of the Universe in such a tangible and personal way. Reflect on how God has made a place for you throughout your life, and how you might extend that offering to others.
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them. For the kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these.”
Matthew 19:14
4. Flip a song
Look up the lyrics of a favorite love song and listen to it in the context of God’s agape Love. While most secular songs are written in the context of human love, many (G-rated) songs can also reflect Divine love and help give us a new understanding God’s character.
A couple examples…
Mine Forever – by Lord Huron
“If you ever get lonely, please let me know. If you never wanna see my face again, I’ll understand. If forever gets lonely, take my hand… If you tell me where to meet, then I’ll wait ’til I turn to bones… We will always be together. In my mind, you’re mine forever.”
Shadow – by Bleachers
“I’ll be there. If you’re feeling small, I will love your shadow. And when the lights go dark, I will stand right beside you.”
5. Change your perspective
Lay upside down on a chair or couch, and imagine walking along the ceiling of the room. Notice the shape and colors of the “floor” and walls around you.
Reflect on what situations in your life might benefit from a different perspective, and ask God to help guide you through them.
Whoever humbles himself and becomes like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew 18:4
6. Reminisce through reading
Read through your favorite childhood book, giving yourself space to get lost in nostalgia—without any self judgment, just thinking and feeling whatever comes up naturally.
Consider themes or symbols in the book that might be relevant to your life now, or give new insight into why it became your favorite over the years.
7. Get outside
Go for a walk or skip or run, reflecting on the ground that graces your feet. Marvel at the same earth Jesus walked upon thousands of years ago.
Take note of the sky—the colors, textures, and shapes passing by. Lie down in the grass and watch clouds alongside the One who made them. Say a prayer of gratitude for God’s creation and the even richer beauty awaiting us in eternity.
≫ What piece of advice would you give to your childhood self? Comment below!
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