In this post I discuss topics relevant to Inner Child Healing and Shadow Work. Trigger Warning/ SA
I’ve been in the process of inner child work and shadow work for the last few years for healing sexual and emotional trauma and as much as I’d love to go completely in depth on what that is, I’m still learning and nowhere near educated enough to teach you, but what I can do is share my experiences and how I have been healing through this. What I share is solely based on my own experiences so this may not be what works for you personally!
Inner child healing and shadow work has been the number one thing that has connected me to my authentic self and empowered me to begin connecting to my psychic gifts and abilities. These types of inner work are very heavy and requires you to be willing and consistent with change. “We have to learn to forget so that we can remember” is a quote that I always refer to, that perfectly explains how it feels to now have this spiritual connection.
First, shadow work is a life long process of discovering your inner darkness or “Shadow Self”. Shadow work is uncovering the parts of you that have been disowned, repressed, rejected or abused. Your shadow self holds your fears, mistakes, anxieties and darkest thoughts.
Inner child work is also a life long process of nurturing and healing the “little you” that’s always within you, by integrating your shadow self and replacing shame with unconditional love. It’s the process of learning to reparent yourself so that you can heal and grow into your authentic true self.
One of the most helpful things I’ve done through this healing journey is referencing my inner child as “little Sarah” and actively listening to her wants and needs, or anything she feels comfy sharing. I try to stay mindful on how I treat her or react to her when I notice that I’m triggered in some way. When I am triggered, I lead with curiosity and ask her what she needs to get through this. Sometimes I need physical movement like getting the wiggles out or stretching and other times I just need to listen to nature sounds while holding onto ice cubes.
Listening to these basic emotional needs may seem silly or obvious, but what isn’t so obvious is that as you listen your littles needs, you start to create a safe place for them to open up and share different memories, talents, ideas, thoughts and feelings that may have been hidden or repressed for a while.
If you had a childhood similar to mine in any way, it may be hard to validate your own emotions and meet yourself with compassion because you were wired to undermine your own emotional needs. The difference is that you have the power to break the cycle now and rewire your way forward. It starts with going within and getting a little bit uncomfortable 🤍
Sarah Mae