Making time for self-care and quiet is challenging as a new mama.
I remember that it was so hard to leave my new baby,
Even in the moments when my gut was begging me to focus on myself.
It never felt possible.
As a new mother,
I understood my role was to be there for my child.
So many priorities came before me.
However,
We must also come to understand that motherhood is about being there for ourselves,
Too.
In this new role.
This new body.
This new life.
Be here for whoever you are becoming.
You have chosen these few minutes to remember you first and who you are becoming.
Take one palm kindly onto your upper chest and feel your heart.
Blast open the windows of your heart with a few sweeping breaths.
In through your nose.
And out through your mouth.
Again,
In.
And release stress out your mouth.
Another time,
Trying an audible vocal sighing exhale.
Stay close to your heart with the warmth of your hand and lean your head to one side for a breath,
Stretching your neck.
Switch sides and give your neck a sweet breath here.
With your head back in center,
Take the time to scan your body from head to toe and feel this new body,
This new self that you are discovering.
Gently breathing and feeling your entire self.
Gentle with your process of discovery.
To places in your body that feel foreign or locked.
Take your palm there and remember gentleness.
Breathe gently.
Letting your hands rest anywhere so that your neck,
Shoulders and chest are at ease.
Who have you been reaching out to for support?
Open yourself now to the possibility of asking,
To the power of asking.
As you navigate this new territory of motherhood,
Who can you call upon for wisdom or for a listening ear?
Tell the new mama within,
This new being that you are becoming,
That asking for help is a sign of strength.
Asking is a practice and receiving is part of the journey.
You don't have to do it all.
Even if you aren't sure what you are asking for,
Whisper with me,
I am allowed to be held.
I trust that care is here for me.
I am surrendering to the process of my own becoming.
My own discovery of mama and independent human.
The discovery of a new me.
I surrender to this process.
It is slow remembering you first.
Taking this moment to be gentle with yourself and to breathe into the being that you are becoming is enough.
Support is here.
Care is here.
Finishing this pause just how we began,
With one palm softly onto your upper chest.
Feel your heart,
This steady,
Wise and loving heart.
This heart supported by many others.
This heart loved and held by many others.
Fill with a sweeping breath in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Again,
In and release your breath.
Stress out through your mouth.
Your becoming is a precious and gradual process.
This self-care is an important step towards the new version of yourself.
Stay gentle and remember that you are held.
Thank you for practicing with me.
