Inner Child Play
Materials Needed
Feeling
Empty
How to Do It
Reconnect with your inner child by engaging in a playful activity you enjoyed as a child—drawing with crayons, building with blocks, or playing with a toy. Let go of any adult expectations and simply immerse yourself in the joy of play, allowing your inner child to express themselves freely.
Why It Works
Engaging in play can help to reawaken a sense of joy and creativity, filling the emotional void with a sense of innocence and spontaneity that often gets lost in adulthood.
Guided Practice
Find a place where you can sit or lie comfortably and take a few deep breaths. Feel the support beneath you and imagine your body becoming heavy and relaxed. With each breath, notice if there are areas of your body that feel more settled or more awake.
Close your eyes and bring to mind an image of yourself as a child. Visualize your younger self playing freely, perhaps running through a field, drawing with chalk, or dancing in the living room. Notice the feelings that arise as you watch your inner child play — perhaps a sense of joy, a feeling of nostalgia, or even a touch of sadness.
Allow yourself to connect with the emotions of your inner child. Feel the freedom and innocence of that time, noticing how your body responds — maybe a lightness in your chest, a smile forming on your lips, or a tear welling up in your eyes. Stay with these sensations, allowing them to guide your experience. Notice any images, symbols, or memories that come up — perhaps a favorite toy, a childhood friend, or a place that felt safe. Let these images deepen your connection to your inner child, bringing forth both joy and possibly unexpected emotions, like a sense of loss or longing.
Imagine yourself stepping into the scene and joining your inner child. Feel the sensation of playfulness in your body, maybe a lightness in your steps, a flutter in your stomach, or a surge of energy. Notice how this experience affects you — perhaps a feeling of liberation, a sense of vulnerability, or even a bit of discomfort in reconnecting with this part of yourself. Stay with these sensations, allowing them to guide you in nurturing your inner child.
When you feel ready, gently step back from the scene, and take a few deep breaths, feeling the connection with your younger self remain. Notice how your body feels now — perhaps more playful, more connected, or simply more at ease with your own history. Gently open your eyes, carrying this sense of inner connection and playfulness with you into your day, feeling more whole and integrated.