Does your Inner Child have Red Shoes?

By Kerima Furniss

Several years ago, after a flippant remark about my “inner child,” a warmhearted friend asked me kindly “Does your inner child have red shoes?” Instantly tears sprang into my eyes. I knew she did not! I went home thoughtfully.

Knowing that I needed to check in with this part of myself, I had an imagery session to spend time with my inner child. She and I ended up running at the beach—an incredible feeling of freedom that reminded me that I had neglected play and movement. Every time I looked at shoes thereafter, red shoes would catch my eye. I have a whole collection by now. However, we tend to get busy, we tend to forget, and we tend to neglect our inner voices and advisors.

A few days ago my inner child showed up spontaneously when I was working with my heart chakra. I was running into the feeling of “not being good enough” and there she was. 

This time she was about ten, with two braids, glasses and crooked teeth, dressed in sturdy brown shoes and a wool cardigan. In 1969 in Germany, clothes were expensive and I used to have one or perhaps two pair of practical shoes. I was shy and quiet, though a creative and imaginative child. Already I was spending time in school drawing, playing with bugs and not working “up to my potential.”

I remember when my daughter was ten. It was a time when she intensely compared herself to others, noting if they got better grades or were more accomplished than her. What an easy time to become discouraged and I had worked hard to encourage her. 

Now I had the opportunity to do the same for my inner child, to let her know that she would indeed be “good enough.” As I am a kinesthetic imager, in my imagery I took her by the hand to walk her through my new house and yard. I then showed her the art materials in my studio, telling her that she would paint wondrous pictures in just two years in 6th grade. I then showed her my dance clothes and shoes for jazz class, telling her that she would get to dance in different classes for many years, and love it. I talked about other areas of my life that I had done well in. 

Then I undid her braids and brushed her hair. I put a flowing red dress on her, sparkly red tights and red shoes. We danced together in the living room on the wooden floor. I am happy to report that my inner child now has red shoes, and she keeps dancing.

Having done imagery for about thirteen years with my friend Sonja Roseth as a guide, I have had many profound imagery experiences, that, even though they have come from my own imagination, have become treasured memories that feel as real as my other memories. That is part of the power and effectiveness of imagery. Guiding others as a certified Interactive Guided Imagery (IGI) practitioner, I am always amazed at the wisdom that each person has access to when allowing it to emerge in a relaxed, safe and supportive setting. 

IGI is especially effective as it works exclusively with the imagery of the “client.” The guide supports the focus and unfoldment of the imagery without introducing any content (not visiting the beach when you hate the water). During the session the client verbally reports what is happening and the guide provides guidance to deepen the imagery and to move forward in the agreed upon direction. Depending on the goal, for example a client may be invited to speak to an image of a symptom, meet an inner advisor, or have the images of two opposing choices dialogue with each other. The guide makes sure that the imagery stays safe and supportive. Inner critics are not invited, or dealt with creatively should they show up! Humor and creative, unexpected outcomes are quite common in this type of imagery. In the “grounding” part of the session, guide and client talk about how to incorporate new insights and symbols into everyday life. 

Wishing you curiosity and playful times with your inner child or other imaginary friends this year!

Kerima Furniss, MSW is now offering imagery and support for midlife and elder transitions in Arcata. Home visits may be arranged for those having difficulty traveling. With extensive social work experience in traditional healthcare settings, hospitals to hospice, as well as 25 years of study of expressive arts and body-mind-spirit approaches, she works respectfully with each person’s strengths and beliefs. You can reach Kerima at 616-5466.