Inner child healing is a lifeline for reclaiming your true self and breaking the chains of intergenerational trauma. This work is deeply personal to me, and I want to share why it’s so crucial for our collective well-being, especially for BIPOC communities.
It’s about reclaiming our joy, our culture, and our true selves. And as your self-proclaimed Inner Child Hype Woman, I’m here to guide you through it.
Our Why: Inner Child Healing as Intergenerational Healing
We carry the weight of our ancestors’ struggles, but guess what? We also carry their strength and resilience. When we heal our inner child, we’re not just healing ourselves, we’re healing the legacy of trauma that’s been carried through our family lines.
My Story: From Self-Sacrifice to Self-Discovery
Growing up as the daughter of Mexican immigrants, I often found myself caught between two worlds. On one hand, there was the rich cultural heritage of my family, filled with traditions, values, and the importance of community. On the other hand, there was the relentless drive to succeed and assimilate into the American way of life. This duality often led me to minimize my own experiences, thinking I had it easier than others because my parents had sacrificed so much more.
Our brainstem holds seven generations of our trauma from our ancestors on a cellular level of our DNA. So our epigenetics is carried by our brainstem, and our brainstem is basically the bouncer of our nervous system.
This mindset is deeply rooted in marianismo, where self-sacrifice, humility, and the expectation to always put others first are emphasized. Marianismo teaches us to be the caregivers, the ones who hold the family together, often at the expense of our own needs and well-being. For years, I internalized these beliefs, believing that acknowledging my struggles would somehow dishonor my parents’ sacrifices.
Motherhood was a turning point for me. Becoming a mother made me revisit my own childhood and recognize the unhealed wounds that influenced my parenting and personal life. Despite my professional background as a therapist, it wasn’t until I deeply engaged with inner child healing that I understood its profound impact. This journey allowed me to honor my experiences, break free from inherited roles, and embrace my authentic self.
Starting Your Inner Child Healing Journey
Healing starts with acknowledging the existence of your inner child and understanding its significance. This journey is personal, but it’s also universal. We all have a child within us who needs attention, care, and love.
The prescribed role of who our family needed us to be is often who we are now in the world. But as adults, these roles no longer serve us and can hinder our growth.
Recognize and Acknowledge Your Inner Child
First things first, recognize that your inner child exists and needs your attention. Think of this as sending a friend request to your younger self. Accept it!
Engage in Joyful Rituals
Healing your inner child involves engaging in activities that bring joy and creativity. These can include:
- Playing games or activities you loved as a child: Remember the joy of playing outside, drawing, or building forts? Do that again.
- Singing, dancing, or any form of creative expression: Let your inner child pick the playlist and have a dance party.
- Spending time in nature: Walk barefoot in the grass, collect rocks, or just sit and listen to the birds.
Use Mindfulness and Grounding Techniques
Mindfulness practices help you stay connected with your inner child. Techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises can calm your nervous system and create a safe space for healing.
Marianismo taught us to be self-sacrificing, but healing teaches us to be self-loving. We must learn to put on our own oxygen mask first before helping others.
Importance of Community and Support Systems
Healing is not a solitary journey. Find and connect with supportive groups or individuals who understand and validate your experiences. Sharing your journey with others provides encouragement and helps you feel less alone.
For Latinx women, community is our backbone. It’s where we find strength, validation, and the courage to face our deepest wounds. Whether it’s through family, friends, or support groups, having a network that understands your cultural context and lived experiences can make all the difference.
Healing is not a solitary journey. Community and support systems play a vital role in our growth. We need spaces where we can share our stories without fear of judgment, where our cultural identities are seen and celebrated, not hidden or minimized.
Cultural Heritage and Ancestral Strengths
Engaging with our cultural heritage and ancestral strengths is a powerful aspect of inner child healing. These practices not only honor our roots but also provide a deep sense of belonging and identity.
When you unlock your inner child, you are inviting your inner ancestor to come and guide you home.
Whether it’s through traditional dance, storytelling, cooking family recipes, or participating in cultural rituals, these activities reconnect us with the wisdom and resilience of our ancestors. They remind us that we are part of something larger than ourselves—a lineage of strength and survival.
Embracing Your True Self
Inner child healing is a radical act of self-love and authenticity. It’s about reclaiming the parts of ourselves that we’ve been forced to hide and nurturing them with compassion and understanding. For Latinx women, this journey also involves honoring cultural heritage and navigating unique challenges. Take the first step in your healing journey, and remember that you are not alone. There is a community of support waiting to embrace you.
If you have a question for Cynthia about Inner Child work or ancestral healing through Epigenetics, or have an episode topic you’d like to hear about, email cynthia@rootedinreflection.org
