Hi,
This is Michelle Swern.
Today we're going to reflect on mantras for motherhood.
A mantra translates in ancient Sanskrit to mind vehicle.
And it is a tool used in meditation to help us keep our focus on the present moment and to quiet our minds.
It's still very natural and normal for you to get distracted by things you may see or feel or worries or stresses you're having.
However,
Our brains are wired so that when we can shift into a safe and sound mode in our nervous system,
We will be able to stay more in that zone of focusing on our anchor or our mantra.
So that's why at the beginning of a meditation,
It's important to do something that regulates your system.
Some people find that a few deep breaths and settling in and releasing the tension is a good way to start.
If you have a different approach to regulating your nervous system,
Perhaps using a fidget or humming out loud or running some water over your hand.
Those are all options to consider before you do a meditation in the future.
If you want to pause and do one of those now,
I welcome you to otherwise if you want to be guided through using a few deep breaths to settle in,
We can do that together today.
So find a comfortable position.
Get as comfortable as you can settle in.
Take a deep breath in through your nose.
Filling your stomach with air.
Blow that out through your mouth.
When you get to the bottom blow out for just two more counts.
And then take another deep breath in.
Blow that out again.
If you're comfortable,
Gently close your eyes.
And I will guide us through a reading of mantras for motherhood.
As you're listening.
Think about anything that stands out to you.
Any of the mantras that feel like they fit for you.
We'll take a moment and plant that seed at the end of our meditation together.
I am pushed beyond my limits.
I can go further than I ever dreamed in the name of love.
I am scarred and I am scared.
But I am proud,
And I am brave.
I am not perfect.
And I am teaching them not to be perfect.
I am exhausted,
And I am drained.
And I am a vessel for love.
And I'm given life in return.
I am grateful for this motherhood journey.
I am nurtured and I nurture.
It is a gift that keeps teaching.
Continue to focus on your breath.
Relaxing any tension that may have come up as you're reflecting on the mantras.
Think of one that stood out.
I am brave.
I am proud.
I am grateful.
I am pushed,
But I can go further than I ever dreamed.
Whatever fits for you.
Just take a minute.
Continue to repeat that mantra in your mind or out loud.
If your mind wanders,
Just notice and bring it back to the mantra or your breath.
If you're comfortable,
Put your hand to your heart.
Feel that warmth and imagine planting the seed of this mantra into your heart.
Remembering it as you go forward into your day,
Playing whatever role as a mother that you do.
As you're ready,
Wiggle your fingers,
Wiggle your toes,
Come back to the present moment.
Thank you for reflecting on Mantras for Motherhood with me today.
