On my earlier blog post, I discussed the significance of shadow work in the spiritual journey of self-exploration and growth. I noted that in the Chrisitian tradition, it has a role to play in forgiveness and salvation, and transitioning from the old self into awareness of the new self.
Simply put, the inner child refers to the memories, experiences and emotions from our childhoods, positive and negative. They often impact us in adulthood. Learning to nurture this inner child can help us as we seek deeper relationship with God, stronger faith, and fuller and more centered lives. Shadow work underscores the importance of delvng into the pain as well as the pleasure hidden in the shadows of our inner-most psyche. You don't have to be a spiritual guru or a therapist to do shadow work. However, conducted in consultation with a behavioral health professional or some other qualitifed individual such as pastoral care counselor can be highly effective, especially if you're dealing with particularly difficult childhood trauma issues. I've benefited from all of the above. Artisitc retreats, guidebooks, and online courses such as those based on works such as Artist's Way by Julia Cameron are also helpful
Cameron's workbook and seminars, popular in the late 90s and early 2000, remain timeless. They provided refreshing insights and practical tips that helped me break through burnout and creative blocks during my deadline-driven newspaper days. I held various writing and editing positions during my nearly 20 years in the newsroom. While I enjoyed a fulfilling and even an awarding career, there were periods that the pressure of stringing stories together for a paycheck leached the love for the art of writing from my soul. My imaginative, fearless, and unihibited inner child was there for me when I needed her the most.
Learning how to create room for curiosity, creativity, and mindfulness is increasingly more crucial than ever in today's tumlturous environment. Adult obligations and the pressures of life have been esclated by the demands and distractions of the multi-screen digital age.
Taking time to pause, reflect and connect with your inner child is a gateway to unleashing your creative potential and cutivating your spirituality. Afterall, humans are designed to participate as co-creators in God's service and purpose. (1 Corinthians 3:9).
Here is a list of 8 simple steps to get you started in nurturing your inner child.
Step 1: Embrace Playfulness
Remember the carefree days of childhood when you would spend hours lost in your imagination? Embrace that same sense of playfulness no matter what your age may be. Take time to engage in activities that bring you joy, whether it's painting, dancing, or building with Legos. Yes Legos. Our children and grandchildren are perfect leaders in this area. Follow them on to the floor, if you can. Allow yourself to play without self-judgment.
Step 2: Explore New Horizons
Just as children are constantly curious and eager to learn, cultivate a mindset of exploration. Try new things, whether it's a new hobby, a different cuisine, a unique travel destination or your own backyard. By stepping outside your comfort zone, you can spark new ideas and perspectives.
Step 3: Connect with Divinity through Nature
Nature has a way of awakening our senses, and connecting us with God and the awesomeness and wonder of creation. Take a walk in the park, listen to the birds chirping, or feel the sun on your face. Allow yourself to be fully present in the moment, letting nature's beauty enliven your inner spirit. Reflect on your connection to the colors of life surrounding you. Consider the divine genius involved in not only God's handiwork but the senses with which you were wired to experience it.
Step 4: Engage in Playful Creativity
Many people find their way back to their inner-child through hobbies, old and new. What did you want to be when you grew up? Remember, it's not about what can earn you income or is a career goal. It's about finding your bliss. I wanted to be a fashion designer, which underscored my love for style, fabrics, and mixed media art. I find making jewelry and knitting relaxing and meditative. So, pick back up that guitar, take an art class, or those piano lessons. Write a poem. Sketch a picture. Ride a horse or a bike. Book that trip to a place you always wanted to explore.
Step 5: Practice Mindfulness
Everyone seems to be talking a lot about mindfulness these days. Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the here-and-now, which has become increasingly difficult with newer and noisier generations of digital media distractions. I went on a two-week silence retreat only discover the noisiest place on earth was in my heard. We find ourselves thinking about what to cook for dinner when we should be focused on resolving some issue or another at work. Some of us are unable to fully enjoy the gift of the present because we struggle with regrets of the past. Spending time each day with God through prayer and meditation is a powerful path to mindfulness. Prayer is talking to/with God, and meditation is listening to hear the still small voice in the silence. Reading a scripture or other sacred text and reflecting on its message and meaning in your life are also practices that cultivate mindfulness. The Hebrew word Ruah means breath or wind in the Old Testament. An onomatopoeia when said out loud, Ruah also refers to the breath of God or the breath of life. Focusing on your breathing also nutures a sense of mindfuliness.
Step 6: Surround Yourself with Inspiration
Create an environment that fuels your creativity. Surround yourself with colors, textures, and objects that inspire you. Whether it's a cozy reading nook, a vibrant workspace, or a peaceful garden, design a space that encourages your inner child to thrive.
Step 7: Embrace Imperfection
Few understand better than your inner-child that creativity is not about perfection, but about fun and expression. When children fall, they get back up. Embrace imperfections as part of the creative process. Allow yourself to make mistakes, experiment freely, and learn from every experience. It's through imperfection true creativity shines.
Step 8: Share Your Creativity
Finally, just as we are not created to hide our lights under a bushel, we are not meant to keep our gifts and talents for ourselves. Share your creativity with others. By sharing your creativity, you not only inspire others but also fuel your own creative fire. Once again, I am featuring the artwork of Juana Evans, whose use of colors and themes of childhood, faith and spirituality, and black culture inspire me.
In the spirit of full transparency, I must mention that she is my sister. Her philosophy and dedication to her craft motivate me to remain in touch with my inner child who writes simply for the love of writing. And naturally, this encourages me even more to share through my blog posts!
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