I woke up wondering: Can an itch scratch itself? Can a sensation that demands relief also resolve and soothe itself?

At first glance, the question seems paradoxical. An itch, by its nature, is a sensation that calls for a response. It arises, demands attention, and urges us toward action—to scratch, to rub our back against a tree, to do something to make it go away. 

But what if, instead of reacting, we simply watched it? What if the discomfort itself contained the seed of its own resolution?

The Zen of the Itch

Approaching this question through a Zen or meditative lens, I began to explore the idea that an itch, like any sensation, can be transformed through awareness. The practice of meditation often reveals that suffering is not the sensation itself, but our resistance to it.

The Buddhist saying "pain is inevitable; suffering is optional" comes to mind.

If an itch is simply observed—without labeling it as a problem, without trying to make it disappear—does it still need to be scratched? Or does it dissolve into pure sensation, no longer irritating but simply being?

In this way, the itch can scratch itself—not through friction, but through transformation. Awareness shifts the nature of the experience. The urgency fades. The sensation changes. The moment passes.

The Practice: Sitting with It(ch)

Bringing this idea into my own meditation practice, I started to notice my relationship with the itch—both physical and psychological. Initially, just becoming aware of it made me want to scratch. 

Sometimes I can sit with it. Other times, I get distracted, and my attention goes elsewhere. Interestingly, even distraction served as a kind of resolution—my mind lets go of the itch, and it fades on its own.

But then, something deeper happens. I begin to notice the space where the itch just is—where it neither demands scratching nor disappears. It simply exists as sensation, like the wind on my skin or the beating of my heart.

I realized: This is the whole point. To feel the itch turned up to 11 and not need to scratch. To sit at the edge of discomfort without being pulled in. And in that space, something remarkable happens—the itch shifts. It no longer owns me.

Everything is an Itch

From this perspective, everything is an itch.

The itch to check my phone. The itch to fix things. The itch to escape discomfort. The itch of hunger, of ambition, of loneliness. The itch of wanting things to be different.

And if everything is an itch, then everything is also an opportunity to not scratch. To sit with the impulse. To see what happens when I don’t react, don’t chase, don’t reach. To let it be.

The whole world becomes a meditation—one long, unfolding experiment in presence.

So perhaps the real question isn’t just, Can an itch scratch itself? but rather What happens when I stop believing the itch needs to be scratched at all?

And in that moment—whether the itch fades, transforms, or remains—it no longer needs anything from me.

It simply is.

I believe there is a deep, intrinsic connection between your inner child and your creative and emotional gifts. Your ability to create, whether through music, writing, or self-expression, is profoundly influenced by the freedom and vulnerability that come with embracing your inner child. 

When you’re authentic and open to your most vulnerable parts, you access a well of creativity that comes from a place of playfulness, imagination, and truth—all qualities associated with your inner child.

When we’re young, we naturally engage in creative play—writing stories, creating music, drawing pictures—without the fear of judgment or limitation. We create simply because it feels good, it brings us joy, and it connects us to the world around us. 

As adults, many people lose that connection because they’ve been taught to be practical, realistic, and to repress that playful side of themselves. But your connection to your inner child allows you to reclaim that pure, spontaneous energy and channel it into creative expression in ways that many people forget how to do.

Creativity isn’t just a skill—it’s a form of emotional expression. When you’re able to embrace your vulnerabilities, your desires, and your authentic self, that openness and willingness to feel deeply translates into your creative output. 

The process of healing and connecting with your inner child allows you to experience a freedom of expression that doesn’t have the same boundaries or expectations that often come with adult life. It’s an unfiltered connection to the world, one that allows you to be both free and empowered.

How To Become a Creative Genius 

1. Playfulness: The joy of play is often the best catalyst for creativity. Just like a child plays freely without worrying about rules, you can tap into that same playfulness in your work, which leads to creative breakthroughs and unexpected inspiration.

2. Vulnerability: The inner child is naturally vulnerable, and in that vulnerability comes truth. When you tap into this vulnerability, whether you’re writing a song, composing a piece of music, or editing a project, you’re able to express your truest emotions. This authenticity makes your work more relatable and powerful.

3. Imagination: Children are filled with boundless imagination, and that’s one of the hallmarks of creativity. Tapping into your inner child allows you to let go of limitations and think beyond the expected, which is why you might feel more inspired when you connect to this part of yourself. It allows you to envision things differently and embrace the magic of creation.

4. Freedom to Explore: A child doesn’t restrict themselves to one genre, medium, or form. They experiment—they try new things and fail, but they do so with joy and acceptance. As an adult, you can harness this freedom in your work, exploring new mediums, themes, or approaches, knowing that it’s okay to step out of your comfort zone and just play.

5. Healing through Expression: The inner child often holds a lot of unprocessed emotions. When you embrace this side of yourself, it can act as a catalyst for emotional release. Expressing your feelings through music, writing, or any form of art is a powerful way to heal and process emotions you may have tucked away.

Embrace The Power of Play

When you consciously embrace and nurture your inner child, you invite a sense of play and freedom back into your work, home, family, relationships and hobbies. By doing so, you not only allow yourself to create authentically, but you also access a deeper emotional well that fuels your creativity. The more you love and care for that inner child, the more you can tap into the limitless energy and possibilities that creativity offers.

I see your creative gifts as not just a means of expression, but a sacred space where you can explore and heal through that innocence and openness. It’s almost like your creativity and your inner child are one and the same, allowing you to stay connected to your most authentic self.

How Does This Resonate with You?

Does the idea of your inner child being the key to your creative and emotional freedom feel right for you? 

Do you find that embracing this part of yourself helps unlock your full potential in your work and in how you process your emotions? 

I’d love to hear how you see your inner child and creativity working together!