Is Your Childhood Responsible For How You Behave Today?
Written by: Dipal Shah, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
Have you ever observed small children playing? The endless giggles and laughs as they roll cars across the floor or swing at full velocity. We all can agree that children encompass joy in every sense of the word.
Yet, over time, that joyful spirit and excitement gradually drain out of us. It’s replaced with anxiety, fear of failure, and frustration as the beautiful memories of the past fade to just that: memories.
Children absorb everything in the world around them. From criticism to harsh yelling, children are sensitive. So many wounded adults are walking around with an inner child begging to be heard. In the name of productivity and focus, we become exceptionally good at tuning out the voice and ignoring that child.
What could they possibly teach us?
In my work with clients, I’ve found there is a small piece left behind in so many of us. Our inner child was neglected, unable to do the things he or she deeply wanted to do. Over time, that built resistance and distrust within ourselves… because if we cannot trust ourselves, who can we truly trust?
Never getting to speak up. Never being heard. Never being listened to.
Scolded and afraid, that child learned to retreat within itself to avoid criticism or ridicule.
It’s easy to shove our childhood experiences under the bed and decide not to deal with them. Just like the tale of monsters under the bed, it’s much easier to write our fears off as fantasy. Pushing them to the back of our consciousness seems easy, but causes profound problems for the adult who is left to pick up the pieces.
Essentially, your inner child is hiding in the closet. Because we still deeply connected to our inner child, you may find the adult version of yourself fearing transparency and vulnerability or self-sabotaging in situations that require visibility. Feeling lost, the adult suffers with passivity and feelings of overwhelm.
How do we help our inner child retreat from the darkness and boldly step into the light of their purpose? Read along for a few tips.
Spend time joyfully reconnecting with your inner child Be curious about what he or she would like to eat or what they’d like to do. The childlike pleasures we’ve placed on the backburner are instrumental in revealing the state of our inner child. Eat that grilled cheese sandwich and head to a playground. Sink into the spirit of playfulness and challenge yourself to be deeply present in the experience.
Meditation and Mindfulness Spend time in silence, deep-breaking, and visualizing the youngest versions of yourself. Understand the fears and frustrations they may have held onto. Reassure and reaffirm to your inner child that their feelings are welcomed and valid. When it feels safe, release those feelings and emotions in whatever way feels natural to you, from journaling to exercise.
Heal your relationship with your inner child Like all relationships, your relationship with your inner child is crucial for a harmonious and purpose-filled life. Consult an Energy Healer to help you clear blocks that you may not realize or spend time journaling. Ask yourself the difficult questions with the intent to mend the relationship and confirm to your inner child they are finally safe and respected.
Our inner child is responsible for so much of our adult behaviors.
If you want to heal, focus on your relationship with your inner child and watch your internal and external worlds slowly begin to shift.
Dipal Shah, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
A recognized expert in the field of Energy Medicine, Dipal created the Quantum Body Awakening Technique: leading thousands of women in over 92 countries to escape painful, chronic health conditions where western medicine failed. Dipal's unique gifts created profound shifts for her clients; from finding boundless energy to experiencing life with increased purpose and inspiration. Through her company, Ananda 4 Life, Dipal has served celebrities, thought leaders, and health-care practitioners, leading them to find joy and decrease suffering through her blend of practices.
