Self-Stewardship

Self-stewardship* is a powerful practice for understanding and nurturing wholeness, particularly when approached through somatic, body-centred listening. In this space, many people become aware of a younger, more vulnerable part of themselves—what is often called the inner child. This Little One Within may be carrying old fears, unmet needs, or emotions that haven’t yet been processed.

In coaching, the goal isn’t to target the past or try to fix the inner child. Instead, we create a quiet, sacred space where, almost unexpectedly, this younger voice can be heard. The focus is not on going backward, but on guiding the way forward with maturity and compassion.

The journey can be likened to the idea of reparenting, which involves:

1.     Acknowledging the Little One Within with love, understanding, and presence.

2.     Establishing clear yet gentle boundaries.

3.     Creating a steady, predictable rhythm that fosters safety.

4.     Welcoming all feelings and thoughts with kindness.

5.     Modelling responsibility and care through conscious choices.

Among these, boundaries and modelling responsible choices are where the mature adult energy stands out the most. It’s the strength of this adult presence that holds the space for growth, guiding the Little One Within toward safety and maturity.

Consider this example: You wake in the middle of the night, needing to use the bathroom. It’s cold and dark, but you’re warm and comfortable under the covers. The Little One might want to stay cozy and ignore the need, but the adult recognizes the consequences, pulls themselves together, and goes to the bathroom. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it. This is what it feels like to show up, even when it’s difficult—because it matters.

Holding Both: The Strength of the Adult, the Wonder of the Child

It’s also important to acknowledge that it’s often this inner part—the Little One Within—that seeks comfort through our vices. Whether it’s watching one more video, having another delicious plate or bowl, or staying in bed longer than we know is healthy, these behaviours can seem like ways to soothe or indulge the inner child. While it may feel like a kind gesture to give in to these desires which feel well-earned, it’s worth considering that these actions might not align with our highest values. Integrity, concentration, health, discernment, meaning, and purpose are all qualities that can guide us to make choices that support our growth, not our immediate comfort. When we choose to hold firm to these values, even in the face of our inner child’s pleadings, we are helping that younger part understand that true care comes from honouring what’s best for our long-term well-being.

It’s also important to recognize the difference between the childish and the child-like. We’re talking about the part that reacts out of fear, avoidance, and need—the childish part. When this part feels safe under the care of a grounded adult presence, the joyful, creative, and wonder-filled child-like qualities can surface freely.

Self-stewardship is not just an idea—it’s a practice, and it takes time and repetition, just like raising a child. The Little One Within needs consistent guidance from the adult self to understand the benefits of growing up, without losing its child-like wonder.

Part of this maturing process also involves the adult taking fuller responsibility for mistakes, oversights, or misunderstandings—rather than letting the inner child default to blame or defensiveness. This shift reflects the integrity and accountability that support the realization and allowing of our inherent wholeness.

In somatic coaching, we learn how to embody this adult—the age we are at. We develop the presence, confidence, and groundedness of our grown self.

In spiritual coaching, we offer the adult the invitation to extend one hand to guide the Little One Within, while, if it resonates, we take the hand of Something Greater—whether that is God, Source, Spirit, Cosmos, Universe, or the Divine—to guide us.

This is not therapy, and we are not trying to heal past trauma. Instead, we accompany what arises in the present moment with presence, curiosity, and responsibility.

The invitation here is to ask yourself: What might unfold if you met your Little One Within with the strength, steadiness, and wisdom of your most mature self?

*Self-stewardship is the practice of caring for yourself with clarity, compassion, and responsibility—allowing wholeness to guide your inner life .