This post was originally published on the Seraph’s Quill.
When I was a child, I spent a great deal of time at my maternal aunt and uncle’s house. My aunt was a stay-at-home-mom, so she watched me while my mom and dad were at work until I was old enough to go to school.
At that time in my life, I think I actually spent more time at their house than I did my own.
She and my uncle were like a second set of parents to me. My cousins were like the siblings I never actually had.
Years later, my grandmother lived with them, and when I visited, it held a feeling of “home” for me. The place where my loved ones dwelled.
There are still times when I visit that house in my dreams.
Why?
My aunt once told me that it was probably because their house had always been the central meeting place for the family. I believe that’s true and probably why it held comfort for the little girl I once was and still am inside.
Sure! There were times when I got in trouble, but what pre-school aged child never does? (Especially one whose nickname was “the bomber”. LOL) But, there, I felt adored. There, I felt safe.
And that’s probably why I travel there in my dreams… When my Inner Child is in need of that comfort.
Often I’ll go there and see my grandma, my mom, my aunt, and my dad who are all deceased. I get to spend time with them still.
My uncle joined them a couple of weeks ago.
All of the adults that I was closely connected to as a child have now passed.
And the house?
I talked to my cousin this afternoon and discovered that it’s “in bad shape”. I told him not to send me pictures. lol I don’t want my dream “sanctuary” tainted. I want to remember it the way it was. Filled with love and comfort.
Soon, the house that my aunt and uncle owned and lived in since the 1960’s – the one stable icon from my childhood – will belong to another family.
I can only hope they find as much peace and comfort in it as I always have.
And me? I’ll always have my dreams.
What comforts have you noticed that your inner child tends to go back to in times of change or stress? Have you ever noticed retreating to them in your dreams? I would love for you to share!
#gentlevisibilityblogfest – Day 7
How beautiful! I never thought about those dreams as being from my inner child’s perspective.Now I’m looking back on them differently.
I always go back to my childhood home in Meadville, PA. Top of a hill, my room was on the 3rd floor, right in a tree top <3
Quite honestly, Latrelle? I hadn’t considered it myself until I wrote that post. lol But, it does make a lot of sense, and everything that we do to comfort ourselves, we essentially do to comfort our Inner Little One(s). Was definitely a moment of clarity for me. 🙂
When my inner child needs soothing, I tend to cuddle up with some blankets and pillows (and cats…) and watch cartoons (might be a disney movie, or My Little Pony, but definitely kid oriented cartoons, not anime or the ones targeting adults)
GREAT ideas, Jennifer! I will add those ideas to my “bag of tricks” for future use. 😀
Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood & binging old Sesame Street clips on Youtube. Eating packaged Ramen (only vegetarian ones now…. 😉 ). All comfort for me! Snuggling with animals. And yes, I definitely notice visiting childhood homes in my dreams!!
Love, love, LOVE! Those are definitely good ones too! Bringing comfort to our Inner Little Ones. <3
Music, for sure. Also, the beach.
Definitely, those are ones I identify with as well! <3