Circle of Knowledge

The vulnerable child is the core and centre of our being, how many times have you been scared and it brings you right back to that inherent terror you experienced as a child in the night? You may even at times be terrified irrationally – remember the monsters under the bed? Recognise that feeling? Yes I thought you would! Instead of looking for others to comfort you now that you are a fully grown adult, why not reconnect with your inner child as they miss you!

As we grow physically older do we really mature in the way we are conditioned by society into thinking that we do, or does our childlike self just get buried that little bit more – only to reappear on dark nights?

To find real happiness and inner peace, we must look within ourselves for answers. Ever felt that something was missing and no amount of new shoes, holidays, nights out would make you feel better or complete? This is because no amount of material possessions can placate and feed the emotional needs within us all.

Especially if your childhood was difficult or dysfunctional you may find these experiences stay deep within your subconscious and colour your experiences and even the way in which you relate to loved ones, relationships and friends. A difficult childhood can present many problems in later life such as self esteem issues, lack of confidence, complex emotional problems – to name but a few. In serious cases, treatment by a professional psychologist or Inner Child Therapist should always be sought – especially in cases of childhood abuse.

How can you help yourself? Allow yourself time for fun! Write, draw - create! Connect with and acknowledge your inner child, make friends with her and allow her to play and to breathe your air along WITH you rather than shutting her away. Also on meeting with her you will find that your psychic development is aided as children are innocent, open and untainted by societies dictates which impede so many of our inherent psychic gifts as adults! It’s a win win situation!

The great Swiss psychologist and psychiatrist Carl Jung stated that "in every adult there lurks a child—an eternal child, something that is always becoming, is never completed, and calls for unceasing care, attention, and education. That is the part the part of the human personality that wants to develop and become whole."

Connecting with our child within can bring so many fantastic gifts - the best of all is a sense of completeness as a human being, very different to the feeling of being loved by another – self love is the deepest and purest of loves and remembers to be loved by another truly and completely, one has to love yourself first. Carrying a little piece of amethyst crystal can encourage this. Also wearing amethyst jewellery reinforces this self love vibration within us.

In our rush to grow up and live adult and sometimes very materialistic lives, there are times in which we forget that joie de vivre and wide eyed innocence that we possessed when we were children. We become disillusioned and hardened as we grow older, thus creating even more problems for ourselves. Meditation is the ultimate tool to enable us to reconnect with our inner child and reclaim that which we once took for granted.

Here we run through a simple yet effective meditation which is our first step in the reconnecting process.

Ensure that you are in a comfortable and quiet position, best when the kids are out at school and you have an hour or so to yourself! Now close your eyes and take in a deep and nourishing breath, as you exhale, relax your full body. Continue this over some minutes until finally your body is relaxed as completely as possible.
Next we relax the mind, much by the same process. Take another deep breath, and as you exhale, let your thoughts and worries float far far away. Continue this exercise whilst journeying into a lovely placid and calm state of mind.

We are now nearing your safe place, your inner sanctuary so to speak. Perhaps you are walking though a flower laden path and into a beautiful and fragrant walled garden where you are safe and at one with yourself. Relax into this safe and centred feeling.

Take a few moments to explore the garden, take in some of the details, smell the flowers and visualise that you're walking around exploring and admiring their beauty. There are no rights and wrongs in your safe place; there is only you and your oneness and happiness within yourself. Feel that sun gently beating down and then listen, what do you hear? It is the voice of a child…that little one is you!

In your minds eye, you can see her. Approach her and take in the details of her clothing and her actions. Don’t be scared or worried, approach her. Gently speak to her and ask her how she is, encourage her to speak, it may be difficult at first, she has been hidden away in the garden for a long time but quiet encouragement will bring her forth. She may communicate verbally or may even just wish to sit by you and reconnect; again there are no rights and wrongs.

Ask her what it is that she needs from you and be prepared to listen. This is most important.

Now, spend some quality time with your inner child, do whatever you so choose together. Enjoy her innocence and great openness and enthusiasm for life. Remember this and allow it into your heart. Assure her that she no longer is alone and that you will continue to be with her.

This is where it gets interesting! Your time together is coming to a close for the moment. You have two choices; ask her whether she would prefer to stay in the garden for now or whether she would wish to come with you. She will answer you in her own way, leave the choice to her. She can always change her mind over time!
If she decides to stay in her garden, say goodbye for now, assuring her that you will often return.

If on the other hand she wishes to come with you then take her hand as you walk together from the garden. Step by step you are feeling more complete and balanced. You are warm inside.

Slowly bring yourself back into the room and hold that loving feeling in your heart, you are no longer alone and two halves are becoming whole. Remember that with your inner child comes responsibility. You are their parent now and must integrate and communicate with them as regularly as you can. She will tell you what she needs but sometimes you must remember to ask. Now that your child is free, she will guide you towards good and enriching people and experiences in life. You may even find that your intuition is more switched on!

Also remember to incorporate some fun into your own everyday life. All work and no play really is dull! Treat yourself to a day out at the cinema, an ice cream – anything that makes you feel good. Life is laughter as well as tears, hold that thought and enjoy!

Nicola, 20/12/09