I simply pointed out that in my opinion it is unwise to invalidate oneself with said wording, and provided a possible alternative for those interested.

I never spoke about Thich Nhat Hanh or his intent, so I don't really understand what your interpretation of the influence his culture might have had on his wording, tries to explain here. Anyone can use any modern concept to fit their own narrative and perspective in order to avoid constructive self reflection.

Maybe take the time every once in a while do to something you liked doing as a child. Going to see a certain movie for nostalgia, building a tiny scene in a shoebox from sticks&stones and other random items, getting into lego, ÖOöOh especially things your parents wouldn't let you do because of reasons that don't hold up now that you're an adult and you CAN buy an entire cake and it it before dinner every day voor a week!

Sometimes all you have to do is give your inner child a clear signal that you're here for him, by doing something fun, even if it's just for that moment where you're just picking up rocks that you think look cool.

Oh you might try googling 'mindfulness inner child', there's too much for me to go through to say "oh this one nails it", but I do think that's a better middle ground for an introduction to the concept of an inner child :)

Unfortunately not, I just happen to have been raised by someone who believes in this concept, and with a diagnosis of DID I have to be rather vigilant in how I talk to and treat my inner children, so to me it's a very specific coping mechanism.

I've tried googling something useful, but from what I've found just now it's either through specific a spiritual lens or geared towards psychology and integration of a personality.

For the first lens I can't recommend anything, that is truly up to you if something from that side interests you, I wouldn't know which take from the spiritual side would resonate with you.

If you're interested in the scientific psychological explanation of how DID functions (and thus give rise to an actual, separate inner child), I would recommend Ctad Clinic on Youtube. They have a lot of very interesting explanations on how the human brain deconstructs a personality when it is formed under traumatic circumstances in order to protect itsself. I unfortunately have no reading options on that front at the moment. Should I find some specifically geared towards inner children and how to communicate with them I'll reply to your comment again if you like.

Not to my knowledge and experience. You don't get feelings 'for no reason', fear included. Feelings are simply your brain picking up on things (mostly unconsciously) and giving you a feeling which might make you handle/react optimally to the given situation. You might not think the reason is worth getting afraid over, but your brain has reasons for giving you feelings. Imo it's better to know why the feeling is there and reassure yourself, instead of dismissing it. I don't think dismissing feelings helps, no matter if you disagree with when you're feeling them. You can park them to examine at a later point, you can reason with them as they arise, but saying 'there is no reason' is just a more polite version of telling yourself 'stop being dumb'.

Ofcourse, this is beautiful.

I would like to add: please refrain from telling your inner child that they have 'no reason to be afraid'. Especially for people who carry trauma, this is not true. Your inner child has had many reasons to feel afraid, and they matter, especially as you are going through a healing process.

Rather ask your inner child why they're afraid, tell them it's okay, that you understand, and then promise that adult you can handle this, and you'll handle it while holding hands.

Don't deny your inner child the emotional recognition it never got in your childhood, traumatic or otherwise.