Welcome to this relaxation practice for expecting mothers who are waiting in anticipation for the arrival of their baby.
This practice is to calm the thoughts that overpower the mind with worries and fears of the how and when and to help build trust within.
Get into a comfortable position that suits you best at this time.
Make yourself comfortable with pillows and cushions and a blanket.
Take this time for yourself and all the to-do lists and chores can wait while you rejuvenate.
Once you settle,
Close your eyes and focus on my voice.
Being an expecting mother and starting this journey of motherhood brings with it expectations and responsibilities.
You may be a first-time mom or may already be a mom to your firstborn.
The feeling of anticipation still remains.
And although there may be a slight familiarity,
The worries feel magnified just the same.
You may have happy thoughts about holding your baby in your arms and thoughts about planning and preparing for the arrival of your new baby.
And you may have fearful worrisome thoughts swirling in your mind.
And here is a reminder to have trust and faith in this journey.
Visualize in your mind's eye and know that you are strong and courageous.
Your love is immeasurable.
Accept with intent to relax yourself.
See yourself releasing all the tightness and the grip of fear and worry.
And allow for calmness to cradle you.
Begin to notice your breath,
The inhalation and the exhalation.
The ebb and flow of your breath.
Observe the fluctuations in the mind and the chatter that may be pulling you away from being present with your breath.
It is natural to have thoughts.
The mind wants to be busy.
Mindfully,
Let the chatter be.
Let it pass.
Focus on your breath.
As you inhale,
The chest and the belly rises.
And as you exhale,
The chest and belly falls inwards.
Let the breath flow in a rhythm,
Relaxing your body.
Relax and energetically ease your neck.
Feel your collarbones,
Your shoulders,
Your arms right to your fingertips.
Relax.
Visualize the tension melt away as you sink into the surface.
Slowly,
With ease,
Begin to relax your strong spine that connects from your tailbone to the back of your neck,
Keeping you tall and steady.
Slowly,
With ease,
Begin to relax any tightness around your feet and legs.
The muscles and joints that hold your hips and buttocks,
Your groin and your pelvic muscles.
Breathe into the joints that connect your lower limbs and your upper limbs,
Your abdominal and back muscles that hold you together.
Appreciate in awe that your entire body is working together to hold your baby.
As you sink deeper,
Relax the tightness in your jaws and part your teeth.
Gently allow the tongue to fall from the roof of the mouth.
Ease any frown lines on your forehead.
Let your calm,
Warm breath surround your entire head,
From the top to the back and sides.
Visualize now the beating of your healthy heart as it works tirelessly to keep you well.
Nurture your heart.
If it holds any pain or hurt,
Let it go.
Invite love and happiness to fill your heart.
With every heartbeat,
Feel the confidence and nurturing love of being a beautiful woman and a caring mother.
Your heart knows you well,
So trust its knowing.
Bring your focus now to your forehead.
It is relaxed and soft.
No frown lines.
Bring your attention to the center of your forehead and visualize a luminous,
Radiant,
Golden light.
This light fills your entire body and surrounds you from head to toe.
See yourself in that light as a courageous and loving person who is confident and intentional in all that she does.
Know that you are strong.
You are a goddess.
You are carrying a life within you and will bring this life on earth gently.
Visualize yourself as a devoted and inspiring partner and mother as you embark on this journey of motherhood.
And although you may not know everything there is to know about parenthood,
You have confidence and kindness in your heart to embrace the unknown.
Visualize now your partner and you holding each other and cuddling your newborn in this golden,
Luminous light.
Let this luminous,
Wondrous image gently linger in your mind.
With trust and gratitude in your heart,
Become aware of the inhale and exhale within.
Gently open your eyes.
Come back to this relaxation when you need to release the tightness and the doubts that cloud your mind and when you want to feel confident and courageous in your heart.
Thank you.
