This exercise reconnects us to the part of ourselves that never “grows up," and remains full of curiosity, joy, and cheerful creativity.
Materials:
• Sketchbook • Your favorite pen
Process:
• Retreat from reality in whatever way you can. Don’t drive anywhere, slow down, breathe easy for a couple of days. Decide you will find the name of your inner child, but don’t push, or try - just open up and let it come. • Think about sound more than meaning. If you had to yell outside to summon your inner-child who was out playing all day, what sounds come to mind? • List options as they come to you. Sleep on it. • Once you decide, think about what you can do with this name. Will it be a secret name? A pen name? A spiritual name? The name of your inner child is meant to connect you with your true self, the self that never “grows up,” the part that remains young forever. • Bonus points: re-watch the Never-ending Story for some inspiration. Remember when Bastian has to name the child-like Empress? Epic.
Sketchbook Reflection:
• Write your inner name in your sketchbook for safe-keeping and reflection.
