Reflect8 min
Meeting a younger emotional state
Slowing down around a strong or disproportionate reaction.
Bring to mind a recent moment when a reaction felt bigger, older or more familiar than the situation called for. There is no need to relive it in detail — a light touch is enough.
Reflection prompts
- What was the feeling, in one or two words?
- If that feeling had an age, roughly how old might it feel?
- What might that younger state have needed in that moment?
- Is there something you could offer it now, even briefly?
- What tone would you use if you were speaking to a child who felt this way?
If this exercise brings up more than feels manageable, it is completely fine to stop and return to something grounding instead — the Grounding tools or a slow breath are always available.
You might explore these in your own words — there is no right answer, and stopping partway is completely fine.