To begin with, the inner child is real. Not literally. Nor physically. But figuratively, metaphorically, it is very very real.

 

Our inner child represents our child-like capacity for innocence, wonder, awe, joy, sensitivity and playfulness. But it also holds our accumulated childhood hurts, traumas, fears and angers. "Grown-ups" are convinced they have successfully outgrown, jettisoned, and left this child-- both the vibrant, ever-learning, trusting child - and its heavy emotional baggage -- long behind. But this is far from the truth.

 

Many of us wonder why we sometimes feel bad, act hurt, get un-grounded, and can't be the person we want to be.  

 

Our emotionally wounded inner child is as much a part of us as our adult body. In some ways were are a hurt, angry, fearful little boy or girl calling the shots, making adult decisions - sent out into the world to do a man's or woman's job. Can a child have a mature relationship? A career? An independent life?  And then we wonder why our relationships fall apart. Why we feel so anxious. Afraid. Insecure. Inferior. Small. Lost. Lonely. But think about it: How else would any child feel having to fend for themselves in an apparently adult world? Without proper parental supervision, protection, structure or support?

 

Inner child work helps us face the pains that our inner-child still carries, deal with those parts of ourselves maturely, lovingly and kindly.  We then naturally go further with more understanding, less self-loathing and self-critical.  We are better equipped to take responsibility for ourselves,  but with a sense of patience and appreciation for ourselves and those we love most.