Inner Child - A Gatekeeper to Your Serenity

“Where’s the beef? Where's the Wheat? The disgruntled inner child grabs center stage to show us when we are out of balance. I greet her and inquire how her week has gone? in running, jumping, exploring! She doesn't want to have anything to do with me or this program. "

"Have you asked her what she is angry about? The phone rings. I want to go have a piece of chocolate cake! "

Many relate to this voice. They sustain balance and support integration. She doesn't see the benefit of it! First of all, it is useful to expand the concept of the inner child to one which acknowledges we have more than one child within. This inner child is forever caught in that state of wonder which can only come from a total abandonment of worrying about the past or incessantly planning for the future. "I don't like this program. " I am sick and tired of exercising and eating all of these stupid vegetables! That sounds like a blast! " I have had this edge all week. I want to have some fun! Feeling serene is a joke. All of the above are signs of having integrated your inner child and play into your life in a vital and viable manner. They yearn for social activity. I feel this rebellion inside - some part of me is kicking and screaming. With slight agitation she replies, "Not well! "

In typical fashion I encourage her to tune into this part of herself and listen to what she has to say. The infant self may find pleasure in the simple art of exploration. This is "conscious living" and when you engage in "conscious living" you involve your inner children in healthy play There is something exhilarating about pushing that edge and then laughing about the ridiculousness of it! Where's the fun in that? So what is this - you get healthy and spiritual and then sit around all day and do what - talk to God! Tune within and engage your inner child in conversation.

Irrespective of the age - invite him or her to speak its truth. Your six-to-twelve-year old, on the other hand, will feel nourished when play and relaxation involves others. We act in excessive and destructive ways when we are out of balance and our child within seeks to restore the equilibrium through the relaxation of play. Where's the sugar! The kind of fun and relaxation your inner teen wants to have and the definition of being relaxed as seen through the eyes of your younger selves is quite different. If you find yourself wanting to rebel and go out and have fun in a way which will have consequences which you do not want to incur I suggest you pause for a moment. I'm bored. He or she finds fun in action... The toddler within revels in the glory of a newly mastered physical feat, whereas your inner three-to-six year old experiences delight when given the freedom to follow the threads of curiosity and unearth anything new and previously undiscovered.

Their fun involves any activity which allows them to pursue their individuality - be it sports, shopping at the mall or participating in a book club. This simple dialog will give your adult self the information needed to come back into alignment. Take a deep breath and examine what parts of your life are out of balance. " But when do these activities become destructive? They may feel exhilarated when playing on a soft ball team, a bowling league or engaging in some group project. So how can we accomplish this feat? Get out of your head and take time to notice - notice everything around you! He or she simply wants to be invited into your life.

This inner teen engages in social activities as well, but often within the context of self-definition. She pauses, takes a deep breath and begins to speak from this voice within her with the sarcasm only a teenager can exhibit. It is a client enrolled in my 90-day program, calling to do her weekly session. Your inner child does not begrudge your having to work; your pursuit towards health or even your spiritual path. The answer is simple. I can't relax. "

"She isn't talking to me! The challenge is to heed the signs of their distress call and invite our child within to play in a way which nourishes our entire being? We all have that divine, innocent and carefree part of us who experiences joy by simply being allowed to stand in a state of awe. Fun and relaxation become associated with doing something "bad!