Inner child here means a younger version of you, together with the vulnerable, playful and creative parts that are still connected with that younger self. Some of what we feel now started early, when we were small and had far fewer ways to make sense of things. This practice is compassion turned toward that part of yourself, not to reinterpret the past, but to offer now what was needed then. You are the adult in the room this time, and the point is to be a steady presence rather than to fix anything.

In this exercise you will picture a younger version of yourself sitting or standing nearby, and notice their age, expression, posture and surroundings without forcing the detail. You will notice what you feel as you look at them and let those feelings be there. Then you will turn toward the child and say that you are here with them, that their feelings make sense, and that they deserved care and protection. You will ask what they need from you now and wait, without demanding an answer, a need may come as words, an image, a feeling, or nothing clear at all. You will offer whatever support fits, sitting beside them, listening, protecting them, encouraging them, staying with them. You will not try to change the past or require them to respond. Then you will make room for play, imagining the child doing something they enjoy, and finally notice the connection between your adult self and this younger one.