By Samantha Alzate, LCSW
This summer, I had the joy of taking my family to see "Inside Out 2." As a therapist and a mother, this movie hit close to home in many wonderful ways. My husband and I took our two daughters, ages 9 and 6, to the theater, expecting a fun family outing. What we experienced was much more profound and emotional than we had anticipated.
A Personal Experience with "Inside Out 2"
As we watched Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust navigate new emotional adventures in Riley’s mind, my husband and I found ourselves tearing up. The movie beautifully illustrated the complexities of emotions, making it accessible not only to children but also to adults. We were moved by the depiction of how different parts of Riley’s mind interacted and influenced her thoughts and behaviors.
After the movie, we had a heartfelt discussion with our daughters about their emotions. We wanted to understand their perspectives better and help them navigate their own emotional worlds. It was a reminder of how crucial it is to talk openly about feelings and to validate each other’s experiences.
Mindfulness Techniques and Therapy Insights from the Movie
"Inside Out 2" showcases several therapy techniques that we use in practice, such as:
1. Emotional Awareness and Acceptance The movie teaches us to acknowledge and accept all emotions, even the uncomfortable ones. Joy learns that Sadness is an essential part of Riley’s emotional balance. Similarly, mindfulness encourages us to observe our emotions without judgment and to accept them as part of our human experience.
2. Understanding Internal Parts The concept of different emotions interacting within Riley’s mind is similar to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy model. IFS helps us understand and harmonize the different "parts" of ourselves. By acknowledging these parts, we can work towards emotional healing and balance.
3. Building Emotional Resilience Riley’s journey in the movie illustrates the importance of resilience. Mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing and meditation, can help build emotional resilience by keeping us grounded in the present moment and reducing anxiety.
Why Mindfulness Matters
Mindfulness is about being present and fully engaging with our experiences. Here are some techniques to help you find peace this summer, inspired by the lessons from "Inside Out 2":
Start Your Day with Mindful Breathing Begin your day with a few minutes of mindful
breathing. This simple practice can help you center your thoughts and reduce anxiety, much like Riley’s calm moments in the movie.
Practice Mindful Walking Summer is perfect for enjoying nature. Take a mindful walk, paying attention to the sights, sounds, and smells around you. This practice can help you stay present and grounded.
Eat Mindfully With fresh, seasonal foods available, practice mindful eating. Focus on the colors, textures, and flavors of your food. This can enhance your enjoyment of meals and promote healthier eating habits.
Creative Activities and Mindfulness Engage in creative activities like painting or gardening. These activities require focus and can help you stay present, reducing stress and promoting relaxation.
Reflect on Your Day End your day with reflection. Think about the positive experiences and what you learned. This practice can help you wind down and prepare for a restful night’s sleep.
The New Wave of Emotionally Aware Children
Watching "Inside Out 2" with my daughters made me realize that this new generation of children will understand their emotions much better than we millennials did at their age. They are growing up with tools and resources that help them articulate and manage their feelings more effectively.
If you’re looking for additional support in developing mindfulness practices or managing emotions, especially after a movie like "Inside Out 2," feel free to reach out to me at Mindful Transformations LLC. Our team is here to help you and your family on your journey to a calmer, happier life.
📞 Contact us at 860-308-2807 to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment.
Wishing you a peaceful and mindful summer, filled with understanding and emotional growth.
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