Welcome to this inner child meditation.
Today we will enter a space together to connect and care for your inner child.
This meditation can be used as a way to soothe and heal your inner child before going to sleep at night.
We will use a lot of guided imagery in this meditation and I encourage you to trust your intuition and know that there is no right or wrong way to experience your inner child.
Let them show up however they need to in this practice and know that you have the power to repeat this meditation to deepen your connection with yourself over time.
It is common and natural for emotion to come up when connecting with your inner child.
If you notice this I encourage you to give yourself full permission to feel and experience any emotion.
Doing this can be part of the healing process.
This practice is best done laying down where you plan to sleep for the night.
Close your eyes if that feels comfortable.
We'll begin by tuning inward and relaxing the body and mind.
Gently scan through your body and notice how you feel in this moment.
Invite your body to rest and grow heavy.
We'll take three cleansing breaths together to release anything you are holding from your day.
Inhale deeply through the nose.
Hold for a moment and exhale fully through the mouth.
Envision any tension or stress flowing out of your body through your exhale.
Repeating this inhaling deeply through the nose.
Hold for a moment and exhale fully through the mouth.
Inhaling through the nose.
Hold for a moment and exhale fully through the mouth.
Allow your breath to come back to a steady inhale and exhale through the nose.
Throughout this practice continue inviting your body to relax and grow heavy.
Sinking and resting into your bed.
We will begin by picturing in your mind's eye the image of a safe and cozy home.
This may be where you currently live,
A previous home,
A place you have visited,
Or something you create with your imagination.
Feel free to take your time letting this home materialize in your mind's eye.
This is a practice in surrendering to your own inner world.
No need to use a lot of effort.
You can simply watch what shows up for you.
If you don't get any images right away that's okay.
Sometimes it takes time and practice to access this part of your imagination.
Use your mind's eye to picture moving through the home that is showing up for you.
Let yourself notice the small details of the home.
Maybe how it's furnished,
Artwork or pictures on the walls.
Noticing the smell,
The temperature,
Maybe looking around and noticing what you can see out the windows.
Give yourself full permission to relax and settle into this space.
As you continue to create this imagery,
Notice how you feel inside this home.
Notice what happens in your mind,
Your body,
And your spirit when you're inside a space that is fully set up to keep you safe and comfortable.
Notice your body's ability to rest and rejuvenate in this space.
While you are in a state of comfort and peace,
Imagine that you hear a knock at the front door.
Notice inside yourself a feeling of warm joy spreading through your body.
You are excited to open the door.
Picture yourself moving towards the door and opening it.
Standing outside the door is a version of your younger self.
Notice with gentle curiosity which version of yourself is showing up.
About what age are they?
How are they dressed?
What's their body language?
What's the expression on their face?
If it brings up emotion to see your younger self,
Feel free to release and experience that emotion.
If it's hard to picture,
That's completely okay.
Over time you can deepen your connection.
There's no right or wrong here,
So trust that you are seeing the version of yourself that is meant for you today.
Imagine greeting your younger self in the exact way they need to be greeted.
Notice your heart space warming with love as you welcome them into your home.
Let your younger self know with words or just your presence that you are so glad they have arrived and that they are completely safe inside your home.
Imagine showing your younger self around your home,
Watching them move freely in the space.
Allow them total permission to be exactly who they are in your home.
We'll spend some time letting the imagery of your younger self in your home develop.
Let your intuition guide you as you show them whatever they may need in your home.
You could show them a fridge full of their favorite foods,
Make them something nutritious and comforting to eat.
You could gather cozy blankets and set up a space to read,
Watch TV or a movie together.
Depending on their age,
You could give them a bath with their favorite toys or make sure they have a fresh towel and the right supplies for a shower on their own.
Trust your adult self to know how to take care of your younger self.
As always,
Releasing judgment if this practice is difficult.
Allow yourself to continue building a connection with your younger self and over time the bond will strengthen.
Let your mind continue to wander and experience caring for your younger self.
When you both feel ready,
We'll imagine getting ready for bed.
You can envision giving your younger self everything they would need for a good night's sleep,
Maybe clean cozy pajamas,
A toothbrush,
A washcloth for their face.
And depending on their age,
You can help them get ready for bed or give them their own space to feel safe and comfortable getting ready for bed.
When they're all ready,
We will picture tucking our younger self into bed.
Trust your adult self to know what would feel cozy and safe to your younger self.
Maybe it's a bedtime routine with books,
Songs,
And snuggles.
If they're older,
Maybe it's a reminder that they're safe in your home and space to share anything going on in their life.
Notice where they would feel most comfortable sleeping.
Maybe they have their own room with a bed that is safe and cozy.
Maybe they would like to sleep in bed with you.
Wherever they would like to be,
Remind them how safe and loved they are.
Notice how your heart radiates with warmth and love as you tuck your younger self into bed.
Trust your intuition to guide you in this tender space before sleep.
Take as much time as you need with your younger self.
Once this practice feels complete,
Allow yourself to feel ready for sleep knowing that all parts of you are safe and taken care of.
