During the 1970’s, the initial steps of analytical psychology merging with pop culture began with the advent of transactional analysis. The recovery movement quickly jumped on the “band wagon” addressing new concepts such as codependency and adult child issues. The movement gave birth to noted authors such as Melody Beattie, Ernie Larsen, John Bradshaw, Alice Miller, and Pia Melody.
One of the most written about subjects in transactional analysis was the inner child. The inner child is all of the emotional experiences that we have stored in our brain from our earliest memory. The main question that emerged was whether or not we all had been damaged by our childhood? There have been numerous books written about it, and the recovery movement believes that healing the inner child IS paramount for long term recovery.
The archetype of the inner child has morphed over the last 40 years, and has worn many sets of clothes. However, its essence has remained the same. The problem that I see with this archetype is that we have spent years attempting to heal the inner child, but little time actually letting him or her play. I will be the first to admit I spend way too much time working (my comfort zone), and not enough time playing. Yet, it is necessary to give life to the inner child in some form of constructive way in order to live a well-rounded life.
Activity 10:
Get out your deck of tarot cards. Shuffle them thoroughly, and ask yourself the following question, “What is the best way for me to energize my inner child?” Fan the cards out and draw one.
The card I drew from The Legacy of the Divine Tarot is The Chariot.
One of the easiest ways for me to energize my inner child is possibly through my work. I like to work hard and then when that is done I like to work even harder. Could the power of my will to push forth many of the creative projects I am working on access this energy? In addition, The Chariot refers to harnessing two different pairs of opposites – which in this case are work and play. A likely remedy would be infusing my work with creative play and excitement giving birth to both worlds.
What card did you pull?
The Chariot from Legacy of the Divine Tarot is courtesy of Llewellyn.
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