Scream

Remembering Michael Jackson, on his 63rd birthday falling on 29th of August. Destiny's child, the King of Pop, outstanding, phenomenal, impressive, magnificent, there are a plethora of words to describe him but justice is not being done to describe his greatness. He was idolized all over the world, had millions of fans, but died a lonely death, quagmired in a number of controversies. Why? Has one ever tried to find out why one of the most awarded artists in the world, most successful entrepreneur of all times, an icon having unparalleled worldwide influence, who lives forever through his music became a figure of controversy, where he was even branded a pedophile. I personally don't believe he was one. How could such a person lose control over his life? The answer lies in the fact of the " hurt inner child". We all have an inner child inside us irrespective of our age.

I learnt about the term 'inner child' when I started out with tarot readings and realized how many of us are carrying the wounds of childhood with us and how integral this is in shaping and forming who we are and our relationships not only with ourselves but also with others around us.

The lost childhood, a strict parent, the physical and emotional abuse , whippings and derogatory name calling by Michael's father left an indelible scar on his soul , which is seen in his troubled adulthood.

His need to build the Neverland ranch, illustrates his need to reclaim his childhood which he never could. All the hurt as a child led to a traumatic adulthood where he could never come to terms with his looks, despite being loved by millions. The wounds of childhood carried on in adulthood leading to negative patterns and behaviors. Michael Jackson is a classic example of the hurt inner child and through this article, I want to draw attention of parents and teachers alike that the wounds one experiences as a child shapes their entire life, it plays on and on. Children need to be raised with unconditional love, compassion and acceptance and when they are not, the wounded innocent soul than has to deal with abandonment, rejection, guilt, shame, trauma, hurt, loneliness etc. and finally the child develops survival pattern of fixing others, people pleasing, codependency, tolerating abusive behavior/relationship, difficulty in setting up healthy boundaries, constant need of approval/ validation, apart from suffering from anger/ rage, depression, anxiety, insecurity, feeling of worthlessness. Thus healing of a child is essential or else they are doomed for life.

One can heal the inner child by not only taking professional help or through Reiki but also by loving oneself, keeping oneself first, where one's needs and desires come first. One should also start taking care of themselves, engaging and connecting with others, connecting with nature, picking up a hobby, keeping out me times, stop people pleasing, getting out of isolation, doing meditation, yoga, going out on holidays, going out in nature, but most importantly seeking help before this hurt aggravates and creates hurdles in your life. It is time to recognize the hurt and reclaim your life...

Through Michael's example, I am trying to make people understand that the hurt suffered by a child makes him/her freeze their emotions which than shows up as problematic communications, dysfunctional relationships, addictions and other related issues. Learning how to understand and make peace with your childhood is the most important healing and empowering experience otherwise the repressed parts of our childhood will continue to play for the rest of our lives.

I am concluding with lyrics from Michael Jackson's song "Scream"

"Stop pressurin me, just stop pressurin me,

Stop pressurin me, make me wanna scream.

I can't take it much longer

I think I might go insane."

So scream because bottling up pent up emotions never helps.

I can hear you scream, Michael, I hope others can too, the silent scream of the inner child.

~~ Bharti Pawar