As I grew out of my childhood and entered into the workaday world, I found myself having to do things that didn’t fit with who I truly was. Because of this I suppressed the child spirit for fear of not complying with rules of the job, relationships, society, etc. While I may find this necessary in some cases, I find it important to connect with the child spirit whenever I can.
The child spirit can sabotage
I have found that the child spirit can actually sabotage areas of my life when its needs are not being met. This is because the child wants to be acknowledged. By being in closer contact with the child spirit I can see the child spirit’s needs, which include: love, contact, enjoyment, creativity, and fun. I just ask the child what it needs and what it wants, and then maintain regular contact.
I have lost jobs, and put a strain on opportunities by being in the wrong place or doing something that went too much against my grain. This is what happens when I don’t listen to what my spirit is trying to tell me.
The key to intimacy
I have found the child spirit to be the key to intimacy in relationships with myself and others. This is a lesson in learning to love myself by acknowledging and accepting the whole of myself.
Children are naturally playful and know how to have fun. They play, color, draw, run in nature, and do not allow inhibitions to deter them. They just do the activity and not worry about their appearance.
Ways to connect with the child spirit
There are ways to connect with the child spirit. One way is to meditate to make contact. Just by going inside and calling upon the child spirit, we can make contact and open a dialogue. In so doing, we can get in touch with that deep part of ourselves and communicate to find out what the child needs and wants. Another way is to have child spirit dates. On these dates we can allow ourselves to do things we enjoyed as a child and what we find playful and fun. For instance, I enjoy reading children’s books, drawing with pastels, and coloring. Spending time in nature was always one of my favorite pastimes as a child and I have continued it throughout my life. Another way is through journaling. Journaling as a means of communication with our child spirit can reveal things from this deep aspect of ourselves that have a profound impact on our well-being. Journaling about our experience after a meditation practice with our child spirit is a way to gain a deeper understanding of our contact and what the child has to tell us.
See your uniqueness
Our child spirit helps us to see our uniqueness. When acknowledged and regarded, the child has gifts we might not be aware of or may have forgotten.
When was the last time you felt a sense of wonder and magic – when you dreamed and flew with unicorns? Have you slayed your dragons and danced with fairies? It’s all there to experience whenever you wish, for as long as you desire.
Connecting with your child spirit brings rewards such as more balance and fulfillment within yourself and to know more of who you truly are. When you can acknowledge the child spirit and its presence, you will rediscover a side of yourself that brings wonderful gifts.
Joyful journeying.
Julie A. Vermette 