English Issue 21/2026

Psychologist and transformation coach Markus Asano identifies five signs that our past early childhood experiences are weighing heavily on our present: when our “inner child” is wounded, we habitually criticize ourselves, say “yes” when we mean “no,” put off important tasks, feel exhausted, or are driven by fear or anger. If he is correct, then there are probably very few who are not affected by this emotional battlefield. Since most conflicts likely stem from these lingering traces of the past, coming to terms with our biographical shadow is the foundation of peace work—a process of maturation that is just as indispensable for our own soul as it is for the community.