I’ve harbored a fear that my emotions are too negative and my needs too much, and we’re all better off if they never see the light of day. This belief encourages suppression and dissociation that leaves me adrift, separate from myself and my deepest wounds and gifts. For five minutes in the morning and night, I am spending time with my inner child, asking him how he is feeling and what he is needing. I recorded a five-minute guided meditation for when I want a little help to connect with and accept my inner child. You might enjoy listening to it too: