Embracing Our Inner Child

Thay showed us how our present desires and fears can be traced to what we had gone through at the time of birth. When we were in our mother's womb, we were very much protected by the soft environment we were in. Hence, there were no worries, fear and desires. The suffering came at the time of birth when we needed to learn to breath for the first time in order to survive. That was also the time when we experienced the first unpleasant feeling: the fear of dying. We felt powerless and helpless. And, we badly needed someone to take care of us.

This original primitive desire and fear continues to be with us as we grow up. Our search for a partner can very well arises from our original desire and fear that we cannot survive without having someone. Similarly, our need to be with people at the pubs, our fear of watching TV alone, our fear of how others think of us, and our fear of not being accepted by others etc, are all a continuation of the same fear experienced at the time of birth. If we look deeply into our present fears and desires, we will realize that every fear and desire is a continuation of the fears and desires from the past.

We need to find ways to get in touch with our inner child, invite it to walk with us, say goodbye to our past and live in the present moment. Instead of ignoring and feeding our painful feelings, we recognize them and the sufferings they bring. By being mindful, we are there for them. We embrace them with tenderness, without being judgemental. The result is a sense of relief and well being, as well as knowing what to do whenever they arise.

Source: Teachings by Thay at Plum Village in Jul 2009