If we do inner-child work by connecting to the little boy or girl within us, we can reconnect with some of the reasons for our adult fears, phobias. and life patterns. When we begin to understand them, then magic, healing, and transformation can occur.
Often, the baggage we carry from our childhoods can be very difficult to shake, especially when we’ve been exposed to deep trauma. In my writing classes, I tell participants that it’s difficult to walk around a dark room all the time and that it’s much easier when there’s light streaming in.
Thich Nhat Hanh suggests breathing in and saying, “I go back to my inner child,” and breathing out and saying, “I take care of my inner child.” You can take care of your inner child by writing some dialogue from your inner child’s point of view. This gives a voice to your pain. Sometimes that’s all the pain needs. Other times, it might need to be addressed through deeper psychological work. Acknowledging the inner child means treating him or her with respect and love. You can do so by saying, “I love you,” “I hear you,” “I’m sorry you feel this way,” and “Thank you for being you.”
If, for example, you’re considering writing a letter, tell your inner child that you recognize him or her and that your intention is to do everything in your power to heal his or her wounds. Some people say that after they’ve written a few letters to their inner child, they find that the child writes back. Sometimes many answers can emerge. In letters or verbal communication, it’s important to ask the inner child what he or she is feeling and what is needed right now. By maintaining a dialogue, healing and transformation can more effectively occur.