Dear friends,
Something I have been curious about lately is, what is it like to be a child right now as we navigate through this pandemic? What is going through a child’s mind?
They can’t go to school, they can’t play with their friends, they can’t do the things they usually do. I’m sure they miss their lives, friends, extended family, extracurricular activities.
How do you explain all of this to them?
It’s tough as an adult to get our head around this, let alone a child.
Last Thursday I listened to Ontario Today with Rita Celli on CBC Radio. Once a week they are dedicating a program for children and youth up to the age of 19. They can call in to share how they are feeling and ask any questions they may have to a doctor. What a wonderful idea, to create a space where children can be heard and informed in an age appropriate way.
A lot of the children had concerns about getting sick or a family member being sick, they wanted to know what they should or shouldn’t do.
You could tell they found comfort in being able to express themselves and receive answers to their valid questions.
Holding space for the children in our lives is important.
And so is holding space for our own Inner Child.
Our Inner Child is a part of our subconscious formed at an early age by what we learned as a child. Just as young kids today have fears and concerns, so too does the Inner Child within a lot of us.
When we feel vulnerable or have fearful thoughts, it may not be just because of this event. It is most likely a combination that includes old emotions or feelings and our Inner Child is wanting comfort and to feel safe.
When I think of this, I am reminded to be gentle with myself. Just like I would a child who is feeling scared, sad or unsettled.
Can we approach our mindfulness practice with self-compassion?
There is no time like now to explore…and that’s what I’ve been doing!
I’ve had a bit of an awakening of sorts – my child self has really come out to play and I’ve stepped into experiencing joy, fun and freedom. All while wearing a bunny costume.
Who would have thought?
I was recently on Facebook Live with my sister Deb who is the co-owner of Kindness Cookies. She hosted a sugar cookie baking class and I made a guest appearance as “Hunny Bunny”.
I must admit – I loved it! Something happened when I put that bunny suit on. I felt energized! So much so that Hunny Bunny is going to be hosting a workshop this Friday for the young and young at heart.
If someone would have predicted 6 months ago that I would be dressing up in a bunny outfit and doing a workshop, I would have thought they were nuts! And yet here I am. One never knows.
So, friends, in this time of uncertainty I invite you to join me. Put your life on pause and for 30 minutes let’s move, breathe, have fun, meditate and connect to our child self.
With love,
Diane