When your senses are steeped in nostalgia, what sensations come to mind?
The Summer season is rich with memories both fond and formative. This is why it’s the perfect time of year to revisit the imagination of your inner child, entertain her ideas and immerse yourself in her world of play. You both remember the scraped knees, sunburns, and sore hands from the playground monkey bars just as well as the smell of fresh cut grass, the feeling of a ball in your hands, and the sight of the streetlights waking up for the evening.
Connecting to the world around us is imperative to our wellbeing. As women, it’s also a powerful reminder of our humanity in a world that threatens to erase it; though the possibility of judgment is miniscule in comparison to the fully immersive experience of simply being human.
When we step away from judgment and expectations and step into a world of action and play, our bodies instantly become more attuned to sensations around us as we become driven by curiosity. As we grow up, we expand our world of experiences both big and small: road trips, new brunch spots, career exploration, and navigating interpersonal relationships through constant growth.
Our bodies hold a vast library of memories that can be triggered by sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical contact. This is why it’s easy to feel like a kid again when you smell mom’s cookies or enjoy an ice cream on a hot day. Like we talked about last week, our bodies are constantly in internal motion – and these stored memories can affect how our bodies function.
One of the shared sensations also known to our inner child is that of fear: sweaty palms, nervous shivers, amplified sounds, etc. Sometimes this fear can sit so deeply within us that we don’t always recognize it, even in the moment when we experience it. It is our responsibility to identify our triggers for fear, and take time to lovingly reassemble its trigger into a positive catalyst for growth.
Other sensations trigger those warm, fuzzy feelings of being a child again, especially having lived as an adult. These are the sensory inputs that have grounded you since you were little: playing your favorite game, wearing your favorite clothes, playing your favorite songs… the list goes on!
As you step out with your inner child this season and observe the world through her eyes, tapping into your shared five senses will help you both find a middle ground. Coupled with those shared memories of Summers past, your shared connection will nourish her sense of safety while contributing to your own present and future growth.
So check in with yourself and your inner child this season and learn to identify your triggers together. Find what grounds you, and what makes you want to take off and fly free. Take the time to remind that little version of you that while we can have both pleasant and unpleasant memories, the way we experience them in our bodies can always be a catalyst for learning an important lifelong lesson: knowing what feels good, and accepting what fuels growth.
On those breaks when you need a little lemonade before running off again with your inner child, here are a few incredible women to watch – each with their own unique sensory experiences to share.
DeNaya Wilkerson shares her joy of movement and focus on wellness through African dance, yoga, and meditation. You will also find other joys in her content, like pine needle weaving, the beautiful scenery around her, and gorgeous looks highlighting African fashion. Check out her website and YouTube for some refreshing yoga flows and stretches, and sign up for one of her many creative classes in Ocala, Florida!
Molly Burke is a fashionista who loves getting creative with her hair, makeup, and wardrobe. Molly was born sighted and lost her vision at a young age due to a condition called Retinitis Pigmentosa. She has long been an advocate and speaker for her community, and uses her YouTube channel to spread awareness about accessibility and why it’s vital in the fight for equality. Get ready to learn a lot when you click into her channel – from tactile-friendly makeup options to life with her adorable guide dog.
Jessica Kellgren-Fozard is a beautiful example of never judging a book by its cover. Her vintage style is just the tip of the iceberg of her content, because those beautiful dresses often have to be tailored to fit her unique body. Jessica speaks openly about disability, chronic illness, and LGBTQ+ advocacy. She also shares insight into her life as a mother of three following her wife’s recent delivery of twins, and ways to treat every situation and person with kindness – whether it’s a Montessori-driven toddler or an adult with differing opinions. Jessica’s channel is ripe with education, entertainment, and celebration for all bodies and abilities.
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