July 2016: Taking a Time Out from "Adulting" - Let's Play!

Today, I want to share with you a quote from one of my favorite books, Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, by Stuart Brown: "I have found that remembering what play is all about and making it part of our daily lives are probably the most important factors in being a fulfilled human being. The ability to play is critical not only to being happy, but also to sustaining social relationships and being a creative, innovative person." I had Brown's book on my shelf for quite some time and grabbed it as an afterthought when packing for my trip to Australia a couple of years ago. I was off to visit Heal for Life, a retreat center established by the fabulous Liz Mulliner. I had the joy of participating in her five day program for survivors. Today as I was pondering play, the inner child, innocence - one particular day from that trip came to mind: party day! Complete with dress up, kid food (my favorite of which was a slice of white bread filled with flavored cereal!), music, dancing, and plenty of time to roam about and goof off -- this day we were given permission to set aside "adulting" and to just follow our instincts.  When I returned to my cabin, grinning and restored, I was reminded that I had packed Brown's book! I love when the universe brings it all together. I devoured this book -- he hit upon the importance of play, connection with the inner child, how abuse impacts the brain and how play can help us heal! One of my favorite things he points out is that while parents and mentors are pivotal in shaping us, "the self that emerges through play is the core,authentic self." I know that inner child work is so key for survivors and so I share this with you today in the hopes that you will allow yourself for the next day, or even if just an hour, to set aside all of your adult fears and anxieties and hang ups and baggage and just allow yourself to explore, follow your instincts, giggle, enjoy something silly and not worry if anyone is watching. I know something magical will happen! Best, Check out this Inner Child Guided Mediation. Watch now. (trigger warning)  ‬  3 TIPS for healing your inner child after sexual abuse: reconnecting, forgiving and healing. Read more. I've heard it said, "The creative adult is the child who survived." What's one thing you can do today to unleash your creativity?

BOOK OF THE MONTH Affirmations for the Inner Child by Rokelle Lerner “In order to end this cycle of suffering, we must embrace our inner child at whatever age and stage it shows itself to us.”  READ MORE HERE! Hey folks, there is still time to get in on this series! Registration for the encore ends July 7th! Don't miss it!  To learn more and register, go here. This is a donation based group and no one will be turned away for lack of funds. I am so happy to bring you this innovative and effective support program designed specifically for adult survivors of physical, sexual, and/or emotional child abuse or neglect, bringing them together within a nurturing and supportive community. To join the group and learn more, go here. Rachel Grant, M.A. Counseling Psychology Sexual Abuse Recovery Coach 415.513.0700 www.rachelgrantcoaching.com     "What you think, you create"