Our Child Within (From "A Gift to Myself" by Charles Whitfield)

Although mentioned since ancient times, the concept of the "inner child within" has been referred to and talked about with increasing frequency in the last decade. Indeed it has become the central healing metaphor, principle and approach for adult children of dysfunctional families precisely because it is far more than a metaphor.

It is reality.

Our Child Within is who we really are-- ultimately alive, energetic, creative and fulfilled. After we remove all the masks, facades, trappings and superficialities of who we may have thought we were and who we may have needed to be to survive, what remains is our True Self-- our Child Within.

But to survive a difficult childhood and adolescence, our inner child went into hiding. The pain and confusion was just too great for it. Even though our Child Within may have gone into hiding, it never dies. It is always there, waiting to peep it's small head, sometimes with big eyes, and usually with an open heart, out into life.

It wants to "be", to experience, to create, and to evolve. It wants to feel connected, to be part of life, the world, and the Universe.

We we discover and remember this core of our identity, we begin our healing journey and adventure.

Check out these books, "A Gift to Myself" , and "Healing the Child Within"
both by Charles Whitfield at Amazon.com.

While you're at it, check these out as well!

• Boundaries and Relationships by Charles Whitfield
• An Adult Child's Guide to What's Normal by John C. Friel Ph.D.
• Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
• Homecoming : Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child by JOHN BRADSHAW
• The Inner Child Workbook: What to Do With Your Past When It Just Won't Go Away by Cathryn L. Taylor
• Recovery of Your Inner Child : The Highly Acclaimed Method for Liberating Your Inner Self by Lucia Capacchione