Research Paper By Molly Todoran
(Career Coach, UNITED STATES)

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up. Pablo Picasso

Synopsis:

The intent of this paper is to discuss the concept of connecting to the inner child to live in lightness.  The elements included for discussion include the history and definition of the inner child, the benefits for a coach and instruction to live in lightness by connecting to the inner child.

As a coach, it is important to enter a coaching session in a place of lightness.  Living in lightness creates a positive environment for the client.  He or she will feel more at ease to open up with the coach.  It will allow the coach to connect to his or her intuitive-self more easily and allow humor to enter the session.  This paper demonstrates how connecting with the inner child sets the coach in the optimal state to receive and serve your client.

Introduction:

Creating lightness by connecting to the inner child is taught by several leaders.  Carl Jung, the founder of analytical psychology, named it the “Divine Child”.  Emmet Fox, a New Thought spiritual leader, named it the “Wonder Child”.  Charles Whitfield, a best-selling author known for his works on childhood trauma, refers to the inner child as the “Child Within”.  And many psychologists name the inner child the “True Self”.  Creating lightness through the inner child was taught and well-practiced by many of the leaders.

Many personal positive attributes result from living in lightness.  Lightness creates laughter and inner peace.  It allows us to be present and connect with others.  It increases our energy and reduces our stress levels.  Living in lightness allows us to let go of emotional clutter and the heaviness that accompanies it.  Through lightness, we exude many positive qualities.

Laughter and Inner Peace

When we are light, we are buoyant.  Laughter flows easily from us.  We are able to see the bright side of situations and laugh at our follies.  We feel a sense of ease in our actions.  We are able to see our mistakes as learning experiences.  We have a sense of inner peace because we understand the flow of life.

Present / Connect with Others

Living in lightness allows us to connect with others and remain present.  When we are light, we are focused.  Our thoughts are not manifesting as a swarm of bees in our minds.  Lightness allows us the mental space to see the person in front of us and live in the present with them.

Energy / Stress Levels

Lightness gives us energy and reduces our stress levels.  When we are not light, we are dark.  This darkness can feel heavy and thwarting.  It removes our ability to act at our highest capacity.  When we have energy, we are able to produce more positive energy.  Our thoughts become forward thinking and optimistic.  We are more easily able to make sound decisions that affect our lives and the lives of others.

Let Go of Emotional Clutter

Being light allows us to reduce and let go of emotional clutter.  Often, the clutter creates confusion, distracts us and blocks our intuition.  When we are confused, distracted and blocked, it is more difficult to assist our clients.  When we connect to our inner child and create lightness, it allows us to remove our worry and doubts.  It allows us to feel only one emotion, lightness, rather than a plethora of disrupting and/or opposing feelings.  Being light and living in lightness dissipates the clutter in our minds.

Defining the Inner Child

There are many examples of what an inner child is and is not.  Being childlike isn’t being childish and petty.  It is displaying the qualities of a child.  We may draw on these qualities by reflecting on our own personal histories or by simply observing children in their environments.  Sometimes, we will see the qualities of a playful inner child.  He or she is creative and spontaneous.  Other times, we may see the neglected child who deals with issues of feeling they are not lovable and do not know how to love.  This child is often depressed.  Other times, we may see the fearful child.  This child was overly criticized is often anxious and needs much encouragement.  And still, we may see the abandoned child.  He or she may have been left because of divorce or work and requires attention and reassurance and usually feels lonely.