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Each of us is born with a natural ability to play and to enjoy life, but these abilities are often restricted in the process of growing up.We can reclaim that ability by contacting or creating an inner, happy, playful child through the use of imagination.
Use the following visualization skill as a daily practice until you find that you are taking advantage of playful and spontaneous opportunities. If possible, find a picture of yourself between the ages of three and seven where you are happily engaged in an activity. If you don’t have such a picture, use one of a child that reminds you of yourself. Post this where you will see it frequently. To begin the visualization, close your eyes, and imagine this picture. (Allow yourself five to ten minutes. Don’t be concerned if you cannot visualize the picture quickly. This often takes practice and patience.)
• Greet your child.
• Ask him/her to teach you about spontaneity, joyful living, and play.
• Join your child in play.
• Allow your imagination complete freedom.
• Carefully observe how your child enjoys playing.
• What is he/she communicating to you?
• Thank your child, expressing your appreciation for the experience.
• Tell your child that you will see him/her again.
• Lovingly say good-bye.
Sometimes your child will give you information about events during childhood that inhibited your playfulness and spontaneity. These may be painful memories. This is an opportunity to heal from these experiences and reclaim your natural abilities for play and enjoyment. Experience the feelings in these visualizations, then ask that they be released. Hug your child and thank him/her for giving you this opportunity.
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