The Vulnerable Child internal dialogue often was created in times of stress and challenge in early family life. As adults when angst or pushback is experienced the vulnerable child voice can come to the forefront. Quite often bodily sensations are associated with this connection from childhood and these physical signs can be way-showers for us. Maybe it’s butterflies in the stomach, the shoulders tensing up and rising to the ears, or some other physical sign unique to you. Observing and witnessing our bodies can be an entrée into utilizing a technology called the “safe space.”
Take a moment and close your eyes, envision yourself in one of your favorite places. A high mountain valley filled with wildflowers and bees, a beach by the warm ocean or maybe it is the memories of a grandmother. The warm fuzzy feelings and experiences we have around our favorite places are a perfect “safe space”. When the vulnerable child voice is predominant and you’re noticing challenges associated with this young skill set, visualize, feel and know that the vulnerable child is in the safe space. Literally move the vulnerable child energy and memories into this nurturing space. When the vulnerable child voice feels nurtured and cherished the challenging ways of being can subside. Inviting the more mature internal voices forward is the next step. Practicing this transition of the vulnerable child voice moving into the safe space and then inviting forward the adult voice can become a very fast and super supportive tool in the tool belt.
Rev. James Stallcup