Healing the Inner Child

We have to consciously study and practice how to be tender with ourselves until it becomes a habit. Right action on the outside doesn’t heal our tender inner wounds. Tenderness on the inside, turning towards our vulnerability is the medicine needed to heal our child consciousness / nervous system.

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I recently read the following quote by the great American poet Audre Lorde, “We have to consciously study how to be tender with each other until it becomes a habit.” I definitely agree that relationship skills require keen observation and a willingness to be reflective.

However, 20+ years into my career as a therapist holding space for and assisting folks in healing patterns that get in the way relationally; and perhaps moreso, reflecting on my own healing journey, I feel that there’s an important distinction to be made here. Often we get focused on how to get it right, as in—What can I DO differently. Yet, the outer work, taking the right action, as important as it is, will not heal our inner wounds. The other half of the story is the internal work of turning towards what’s most tender inside to offer kindness and compassion.

A simple gesture of placing a hand on your heart center, and saying “I’ve got you, everything is ok”, can go a long way in healing the wounds of your inner child / nervous system.

#healingtrauma #selflove #selfcompassion #sacredhealingjourney #internalwork #innerchild

Image: J. Kirk Richards