Mindful Living Lab

Sometimes your reactions feel… bigger than they should. A small rejection cuts deep. You over-apologize. You feel unloved in a crowded room. That might not be the adult you — It might be your inner child , asking to be seen, heard, and held. 1. What Is the Inner Child? Your inner child is the emotional memory of your younger self. The part of you that still holds: Past fears Unmet needs Joyful curiosity Wounds that never fully closed It lives beneath the surface — but still shapes how you think, feel, and love. 2. Signs Your Inner Child Is Hurting You fear being a burden You panic at conflict or disapproval You feel guilt when resting You seek validation obsessively You self-sabotage when things go well These aren’t flaws — they’re survival patterns from a younger you. 3. How to Listen to Your Inner Child Ask yourself: “What am I feeling — and when did I first feel this way?” “What did I need back then that I didn’t get?” “What w...

You mess up. Your brain says: “Why are you like this?” You push harder. You punish. You call it “tough love.” But here’s the truth: self-criticism doesn’t motivate — it drains. Self-compassion? That’s what actually helps you grow. 1. Criticism Activates the Threat Response When you harshly judge yourself, your brain hears danger . It releases: Cortisol (stress hormone) Adrenaline (fight/flight response) This shuts down problem-solving and increases anxiety. It’s not motivating — it’s paralyzing . 2. Self-Compassion Activates the Care System When you say, “I’m struggling, but I’m still worthy,” your brain feels safe . It releases: Oxytocin Serotonin These foster resilience, clarity, and emotional strength. 3. You Can Be Kind and Accountable Self-compassion isn’t: Letting yourself off the hook Avoiding responsibility Being self-indulgent It is : Telling the truth without cruelty Asking: “What do I need to learn and what do I need to he...