The younger you

The younger you. This track is a few kind words to the person you were at about twelve. You are not asked to remember anything that happened, and no scene is set. Only a picture of you, as you looked then, and some company.

Two things before we start. If at any point this gets too much, open your eyes, look around the room, and come back to the day. And if anything painful surfaces, a memory or a feeling you were not expecting, open your eyes and stop. That is the right call. It can wait for a session with your clinician.

Sit or lie down. Eyes closed, or open and resting low.

One slow breath out.

Now picture yourself at about twelve, as you looked then. The height. The hair. The clothes you wore most. Nothing else needs to be in the picture. No place, no day, nobody else.

Let that child be in front of you, or beside you. Sitting, perhaps. Not doing anything in particular.

Look at them the way you would look at any child of twelve. Not yet grown. Still working things out.

Now, a few words to them, silently. Simple ones. Something like: hello. I am here. You are all right with me.

If more words come, keep them kind and keep them short. You did not have to be any different. I am glad you are here. If no words come, sit with them.

Breathe slowly, and let the child breathe with you.

If the adult you wants to say one more thing, say it now. Keep it kind.

Stay a little longer. You, the child, the breath.

Now let the picture fade, gently. Not pushed away.

Feel the whole body, the adult body, and its weight on the chair or the bed.

If the eyes were closed, let them open slowly. Look around the room. Notice the age you are now.

You can visit them like this again when you want to. Be gentle with yourself for the rest of today.

If you are in danger or feel you cannot keep yourself safe, call your Weave clinician, or Tele-MANAS on one four four one six, any time.