Meet Your Inner Protector

Meet Your Inner Protector

A guided self-inquiry to uncover and evolve the part of you that’s been working hard to keep you safe.

After you do the below exercise, head to listen to the short guided meditation.

Purpose:

To meet and understand a protective inner part that may be running unconscious patterns (like overworking, avoidance, people-pleasing, scarcity, etc.) with the intention of keeping you emotionally or physically safe — even if its methods no longer serve you.

Part One: Clarity


Grab a journal and a pen. Think about a recurring pattern that you have noticed in your life.  It might be health, wealth, love, purpose, job, relationships/communication.  Write down the pattern that you notice, maybe using a couple of examples throughout your life.  


Example: I’m excited about my new job, work for a year or two putting my all in, then, once I feel comfortable in the role, I get bored.  I want to shake it up.  I quit.  Next job.  Same pattern. Repeat.  


Or difficulty getting along with a boss or a peer; different faces/positions.  But underlying same repeating pattern.


Or losing weight and keeping it off then gaining it back. 


Or cycles of feast or famine. 


Part Two: Invitation

Find a quiet place. Settle in. Close your eyes if it feels safe to do so. Begin with a few deep breaths, focusing on the three parts, butt, feet, heart; signaling to your body that it’s safe to turn inward.

Prompt:
 “I invite forward the part of me that feels responsible for protecting me.”

Let it come forward however it wants — as an image, feeling, memory, voice, or sensation in the body. No need to force anything. Trust what arises.

Part Three: Dialogue with the Protector

Once you feel this part present, begin a gentle inner conversation or journal dialogue.

Here are guiding questions:

  • What do you want me to know about your role?

  • How long have you been with me?

  • What are you trying to protect me from?

  • What are you most afraid will happen if you stop doing your job?

Pause and listen with compassion. Write what comes without editing.

Part Four: Appreciation & Update

Once you’ve understood its role, offer genuine appreciation:

“Thank you for working so hard to keep me safe. I see you now.”

Then ask:

  • Would you be open to trying a new role?

  • What would it feel like to trust a more present, wise part of me to lead now?

  • What new role would feel good for you?

You can also offer it a new purpose, such as:

  • Helping you rest

  • Supporting discernment instead of fear

  • Guarding joy instead of shame

Part Five: Integration & Symbol

To help anchor this shift, choose a symbol, object, or visual cue that represents your Inner Protector’s new role. This can be:

  • A crystal, photo, or small item on your desk

  • A drawing, color, or animal

  • A daily affirmation or gesture

Return to this symbol when you feel old patterns arise, and use it as a reminder: “I am safe now. I’m leading from love, not fear.”

Optional Somatic Check-In:

  • Where do you feel this protector in your body?

  • How does that sensation shift as you acknowledge and evolve the role?


Jessica McClure