Becoming more mindful is a lifelong adventure. There are always deeper ways to connect with yourself, such as understanding your inner child. Learning the difference between childish and childish is very important to finding peace in childlike thinking. Once you learn to differentiate between these two things, you can begin to experience the benefits of thinking like a child as part of your mindfulness practice.
What is childish thinking?
Young children do not have the maturity to think like adults. They act on automatic emotional responses and physical needs such as hunger cues. It might mean finding great joy in small things, like finding a caterpillar in your backyard. Childish thinking fosters emotional outbursts, impulsivity, blame, and the need for constant attention.
Holding childish thoughts throughout your life can hinder your emotional maturity. There is no room for the emotional complexities of other people’s perspectives, feelings, and needs. But adults need to be emotionally mature. promote their psychological health.
What is childlike thinking?
Childlike thinking means incorporating the positive aspects of a young person’s perspective to increase the joy of each day. That might mean trying not to overthink things, not being afraid to ask for help, and finding ways to have more fun wherever you go.
The benefits of thinking like a child complement those who seek to live more mindfully. This requires understanding your needs and emphasizing strategies that increase your well-being. Adults can easily become overwhelmed with responsibilities. Childlike thinking creates more joy by stimulating your senses, monitoring your emotions, and embracing the full potential of each moment.
Advantages and disadvantages of thinking like a child
If you’re interested in thinking like a child to improve your mindfulness journey, read about the pros and cons of this fascinating perspective. You’ll understand how it benefits your quality of life and what pitfalls to avoid as your inner child becomes more prominent.
Pros: Can create new definitions of joy
Children look for fun in everything. They imagine grocery carts as race cars and make imaginary friends when they feel lonely. One of the many benefits of thinking like a child is that it opens your mind to finding new ways to have fun.
Rather than limiting yourself to adult activities like going out with friends, you may want to consider playful activities like recreational sports or group hobbies. Trying out different versions of play as an adult can improve your social skills. Reduces the risk of psychological conditions Like depression.
You may also discover an unknown passion for a particular hobby. You might want to follow the spark of joy you feel when you see a bird and become a birdwatcher. With a child-like, magical perspective, find happiness wherever you are and enrich your life.
Cons: Childish, childish thinking that seems similar to many people.
Even if you explain your thought process like a child with a purpose, people may not understand what you are trying to do. They may judge you for it. It’s much more difficult to try something new if the people around you in your life don’t understand what you’re trying to do. Give yourself time to understand how this approach to mindful daily experiences can improve your quality of life.
Pros: You embrace living in the moment.
Young children don’t need to plan so far into the future. You might imagine what you’ll do after school, but otherwise childhood is all about living in the moment. Mindfulness works the same way. Integrating the two perspectives may revolutionize our mindful approach to daily life.
Think about what it means for your child to feel happy. Given the right conditions, you can feel happy almost anywhere. When a kickball is played on the school playground, young children may imagine their arms as airplane wings and compete on the field.
Adults lose this ability when they feel constantly driven to achieve something, acquire more wealth, buy the latest clothes, etc. Child-like thinking means being content in every moment you can. It may start with relax yourself Then your creativity will take over. If you practice contentment every day, it will become more visceral over time.
Cons: You can accidentally start unhealthy habits
A childlike awe of a box of macaroni and cheese doesn’t mean you should eat that macaroni and cheese for every meal. There’s a difference between pampering your inner child and taking childlike thinking too far.
Use your adult skills to find the balance that works best for you. Instead of fulfilling your kindergarten dream of watching TV all day, you can set aside an extra hour of TV time before bed. When you were 10 years old, you might have wanted to spend all your money on toys, but now you’re old enough to make more fun purchases from time to time while staying within your spending limits.
The difference between being childish and being childish is whether you remain responsible in these situations. Indulging in childhood dreams from time to time is healthy if you take care of yourself and maintain your responsibilities.
Pros: Greater empathy.
Children are interested in almost everything. They have a lot to learn, which partially fuels their awe. As we pursue childlike thinking, our curiosity grows and we do more than just pay attention to the wonders around us.
Curiosity too Increase people’s empathy By putting it in someone else’s perspective. Empathy helps people make better social connections and develop deeper relationships. Experts speculate that 20% of world population Since you are highly sensitive, your empathy will naturally increase without you having to try hard. Child-like thinking helps people with less sensitive nervous systems develop the same empathic abilities.
Cons: May feel uncomfortable at first
Those who have spent their adult lives overtaking their childhood, or those who feel ashamed of their younger selves, may feel uncomfortable with childlike thinking patterns. Influencing some of your adult decisions and experiences on your inner child is the opposite of trying to grow up as quickly as possible. If the discomfort feels out of control, see a therapist. These will help you address the underlying things that keep you from enjoying a childlike approach to a mindful lifestyle.
Add childlike wonder to your life
Once you learn the difference between childish and childish, childlike thinking becomes even more appealing. See if you can experience these benefits by practicing curiosity, empathy, awe, contentment, and more. It becomes easier to embrace every moment, leading to a more fulfilling and mindful lifestyle.
This is a collaborative post in support of the Peace In Peace Out initiative.
