Innocence is the part of us that believes in life, in ourselves, and in others. And it is the enthusiasm with which we begin a relationship, a journey, a job. – If you do not return as children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven – Jesus –
Inoculation It is activated in childhood when parents love us, protect us, and believe in us and in our potential. Encouraging our efforts to use and develop our skills.
It is the individual before the fall, who remembers the protected world of the mother’s womb. Who has in mind the happiness of the first years of life, which he wants to regain and live in the Earthly Paradise, wherever it is?
Innocence is the part of us that continues to believe no matter what because he has an unshakable belief that the world is a safe place and human beings are good. This trust rewards him by giving him openness, learning ability, and perseverance.
The Innocent, however, tends to deny problems and shy away from conflicts, often isolating himself in a world of fantasy. The Innocent is also absolutist and dualist. He cannot admit his imperfection without being horrified at himself, without falling prey to shame or guilt.
If we deny that we have been wronged, we will not have to rise up in our defense. And also, if we project our aspirations onto others, we won’t be required to change. If we blame others for our mistakes, we will avoid facing ourselves.
And if we internalize others’ violent attitudes, we can continue to self-destruct. When we escape from any challenging situation, we will not have to contend with our sense of inferiority and helplessness.
The Innocent feels very fragile and vulnerable, and as is evident, he tries in every way to defend himself from what he considers a threat to his integrity. But there is another, more mature way of relating to the facts of life.
The Sacrifice of Innocence
Many myths and legends speak of the Sacrifice of the Innocent, of the Child, of the Virgin. In fact, when we suffer or are afraid because we lose the sense of unity with Mother Earth or with the Spirit, with the family or the community. We are sacrificing our illusion and coming out of the denial of reality.
The great lesson that the Innocent must learn is that one must never abandon one’s ideals and dreams. But that one must also be willing to sacrifice them when they are not authentic. Sometimes it is necessary to make the sacrifice of one’s innocence in order to regain it at a higher level.