Podcast Summary: Mantra with Jemma Sbeg
Episode Title: I Create Space for My Inner Child to Feel Safe and Loved
Release Date: April 7, 2025
Host: Gemma Sbeg
Introduction to the Mantra
In this deeply introspective episode of Mantra with Jemma Sbeg, host Gemma Sbeg introduces the week's empowering mantra: "I create space for my inner child to feel safe and loved." She sets the tone by explaining the purpose of the podcast—offering listeners weekly guidance to embrace personal growth amidst life's challenges through reflective mantras, journal prompts, and actionable challenges.
Understanding the Inner Child
Defining the Inner Child
Gemma delves into the concept of the inner child, clarifying that it's not about remaining childlike but acknowledging and nurturing the vulnerable, playful, and curious parts of ourselves formed during childhood. She states:
"The inner child remembers what it felt like to be told to be quiet, to be dismissed, to be hurt... They are still part of who we are at our core and in some ways, our identity."
[Timestamp: 04:30]
Significance of Childhood Experiences
Highlighting that childhood is the most formative developmental stage, Gemma emphasizes how early experiences shape our behaviors, patterns, and emotional responses. She explains:
"At this age, we are like a big sponge... Every single piece of information or thing that happens to us, we hold on tightly to it."
[Timestamp: 06:15]
The Importance of Inner Child Healing
Addressing Present-Day Behaviors
Gemma outlines how unresolved childhood wounds manifest in adulthood through self-abandoning behaviors such as people-pleasing, difficulty setting boundaries, and feeling unlovable. She shares:
"If your emotional needs were shut down, as an adult, you can find yourself ignoring your needs yourself... you may feel like you're asking for too much or settling for less."
[Timestamp: 08:50]
Reconnecting with Wonder and Curiosity
Beyond healing wounds, Gemma discusses the loss of childlike wonder and its impact on our ability to find joy and curiosity in everyday life. She reflects:
"The older we get, the more we tend to lose a really important sense of wonder and curiosity... Your inner child just wants to have fun."
[Timestamp: 12:20]
Enhancing Empathy
By embracing the inner child, individuals can become more empathetic, shedding judgmental attitudes and embracing unconditional love. Gemma notes:
"Children don't judge. They don't yet know the pressure of social expectations... your inner child just wants to be up for adventures and is curious about other people."
[Timestamp: 14:10]
The Joy of Self-Compassion
One of the most compelling reasons for inner child healing is the profound sense of self-love and kindness it fosters. Gemma shares her personal experience:
"I watched Hannah Montana with some friends. For just that afternoon, I felt like I was 12 again... it just felt really, really good."
[Timestamp: 16:00]
Personal Journey: Overcoming Childhood Bullying
Gemma bravely shares her own history with childhood bullying, explaining how it left her with deep-seated resentment and maladaptive coping mechanisms. She recounts:
"I was so odd and a little bit strange. Children found the weak link and picked on me. It was painful... I was holding on to all these coping mechanisms that were now harmful."
[Timestamp: 18:30]
Steps to Healing
Gemma outlines her path to healing by prioritizing her inner child’s needs over old defensive behaviors. She reflects:
"I realized that in order to move forward, I had to focus inward. I had to ensure that my inner child felt loved enough to let go of what it thought was protecting."
[Timestamp: 19:45]
Practical Steps for Healing the Inner Child
Listening to Discomfort
Gemma advises listeners to pay attention to moments of self-criticism or discomfort as signals from the inner child needing attention. She instructs:
"When you feel uncomfortable or start to feel unkind to yourself, let your adult self say, 'I'm in charge now. I'm going to take care of the situation.'"
[Timestamp: 21:10]
Rejecting Self-Abandonment
She emphasizes the importance of rejecting self-abandoning behaviors by advocating for oneself, likening it to a trusted authority figure stepping in:
"Imagine that you are an advocate for your inner child... I'm in charge here. You don't get to treat yourself like that."
[Timestamp: 23:05]
Incorporating Play and Creativity
Gemma encourages re-engaging with childhood joys and creativity as a means to reconnect with the inner child. She shares her own practice:
"Coloring in simple, bold children's books has done remarkable things for my mental health... just doing something for me."
[Timestamp: 25:40]
Self-Soothing Techniques
Introducing self-soothing methods, Gemma explains how physical gestures like self-hugs can provide comfort and endorphins:
"Putting your hands over your shoulders and squeezing yourself gives you endorphins... it makes you feel supported by the most important person in your life, which is you."
[Timestamp: 29:15]
Balancing Discipline and Creativity
While embracing playfulness, Gemma underscores the necessity of discipline and structure to create a safe environment for the inner child:
"Creating space for your inner child to feel safe means creating a safe environment and a safe structure and routine."
[Timestamp: 31:50]
Integrating the Mantra into Daily Life
Reflective Journal Prompts
To help listeners internalize the mantra, Gemma presents thoughtful journal prompts:
- In what ways do you still carry the emotional wounds or unmet needs of your younger self?
- Are there moments when you dismiss your own emotions, playfulness, or creativity because they feel childish or unimportant? Where do you think that belief comes from?
- What words of comfort, validation, or encouragement did you long to hear as a child? Can you offer those words to yourself now?
Weekly Challenge: Letter to Your Younger Self
Gemma introduces a transformative challenge for the week:
"Write a letter to your younger self. Offer your younger self the love, reassurance, and validation they may not have received. Read it aloud and keep it as a reminder of your commitment to nurturing that part of yourself."
[Timestamp: 35:20]
She emphasizes that healing the inner child is an ongoing, non-linear process, encouraging listeners to revisit the exercise as needed.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Gemma wraps up the episode by reiterating the importance of compassion and self-love in healing the inner child. She shares an inspiring quote:
"If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete."
[Timestamp: 38:00]
— Jack Kornfield
She urges listeners to prioritize self-compassion and to actively create space for their inner child, fostering a life filled with intention, joy, and emotional well-being.
"Healing isn't about rewriting the past, but about how you choose to show up for yourself now with compassion and care."
[Timestamp: 39:45]
Key Takeaways
- Acknowledging the Inner Child: Recognize and validate the vulnerable parts of yourself formed during childhood.
- Healing for Present Well-being: Addressing childhood wounds can transform self-sabotaging behaviors and enhance emotional health.
- Embracing Play and Creativity: Reconnecting with childlike joys fosters wonder, curiosity, and empathy.
- Practical Steps: Utilize self-soothing techniques, set healthy boundaries, and engage in creative activities to nurture the inner child.
- Commitment to Self-Compassion: Continuously practice self-love and kindness to support ongoing healing and personal growth.
Additional Resources
- Join the Conversation: Share your journey and insights on Instagram at @MantraOpenMind.
- Exclusive Content: Subscribe to OpenMind Plus on Apple Podcasts for bonus episodes and early access.
- Related Shows:
- Starstruck with Ali Luber: Delve into astrological insights with celebrity guests.
- The Psychology of Your 20s: Explore deeper psychological insights with Gemma Sbeg.
Thank you for tuning into Mantra with Jemma Sbeg. Embrace your inner child's need for love and safety, and watch how it transforms your life with intention and compassion.