Activating the Loving Father

Discovering Your Inner Supportive Voice

Fortunately, we not only have a critical voice within us, but we also have a Loving Parent that we need to activate.

This voice is what supports, calms, and guides us, being the perfect antidote to the Negative Parent.

The goal is to learn to separate both voices in order to strengthen the positive influence and reduce constant self-criticism.

Although it may seem difficult at first, we all have the ability to connect with this compassionate part of ourselves.

What Does the Loving Parent Sound Like?

The Loving Parent manifests as a calm, fair, firm voice that supports you unconditionally at all times.

It is like a gentle and comforting pat on the back that encourages you to continue despite the difficulties.

For example, when you want to play, this voice does not criticize you, but rather negotiates fairly and balanced.

I might say, "We'll work for two more hours, and after that, we'll go for a well-deserved walk so I can rest."

Strategies for Activating the Loving Voice

If you have a hard time finding or hearing this voice at first, you can use a helpful strategy known as "borrowing" it.

Think of a person who loves and respects you deeply, and imagine what they would say to you in a difficult situation.

Another way to activate it is by doing something nice for someone else and allowing yourself to feel the warm glow of their appreciation.

That positive feeling you experience is your inner child feeling good about receiving a loving response from the outside.

Key Functions of the Loving Parent

The Loving Parent not only supports you but also serves essential functions for your well-being and emotional health.

It is the part of you that knows how to set healthy boundaries and can identify and communicate your needs in a assertive.

She is also able to listen patiently, explain things calmly, and guide your inner child through fear.

In addition, she has the confidence and self-esteem to handle conflicts in a mature and constructive manner.

The Two Dog Metaphor. Feeding the Good Dog

An ancient Native American story describes the internal struggle as a constant fight between two dogs within us.

One of the dogs is good and represents the Loving Parent, while the other is bad and r