Yoga Nidra - Honor The Mother Within

Want to own your motherhood, even if you don’t have children? Perhaps you released a child for adoption, lost a child, or “mothered” children you didn’t give birth to. All of these experiences are expressions of motherhood.

This Yoga Nidra helps you embrace that mother within you.

Transcript

I honor the mother within me in all the ways she expresses herself. Make yourself comfortable lying on your back or sitting comfortably on a chair. Support your legs with a bolster or blanket if that feels better. Let your arms rest, Palms facing up. Close your eyes and allow the body to soften. Notice the contact of your body with the floor, Mat, Chair. Allow the breath to find its natural rhythm. Bring your awareness to your heart center. Silently state your intention with clarity and kindness. I honor the mother within me in all the ways she expresses herself. Repeat this statement three times in your mind as if you are planting a seed of gentle truth in your heart. I honor the mother within me in all the ways she expresses herself. We're starting a body scan, Bringing your attention to your right thumb. Move your attention to your right second finger, Third finger, Fourth finger, Little finger. Move your awareness to the right palm, Back of your hand, Wrist, Forearm, Elbow, Upper arm, Your right shoulder. Shift your focus to your right armpit, Your right side body, Your right hip, Your right thigh, Knee, Calf, Ankle, Your right heel, The sole of your right foot, Your toes on your right foot. Now move your awareness all the way back up to your left thumb. Move to your second finger on the left hand, Third finger, Fourth finger, Little finger. Move your focus to the left palm, The back of the left hand, The left wrist, Forearm, Elbow, Upper arm, Your left shoulder. Shift your focus to the left armpit, Left side body, Left hip, Left thigh, Ankle, Heel, The left sole of your foot, The left. Now move your awareness up to your pelvis, Your sacrum, Your belly, Your navel. Move up to the center of your chest, Your heart center, Your upper back, Your shoulder blades. Feel your throat, Your jaw, Mouth, Nose, Cheeks, Eyes, Your temples, Your forehead, The crown of your head. Rest in the awareness of your whole body as one sensation. Shifting your attention to your breath. Notice the nostril inhalation and exhalation without changing it. Count silently. Inhale one, Exhale two. Inhale three, Exhale four. Continue. And if you lose count, Restart at one without judgment. Return to the natural rhythm of your breath. Feel the breath as a tide that nourishes your heart center. With each inhale, Imagine warmth entering your chest, And with each exhale, Imagine the tension melting away. Now bring to your mind a simple memory of caring, Small or large, And notice any sensations that arise in your body. Could be warmth, Tightness, Softness, Expansion, Contraction. Allow your feelings—pride, Tenderness, Grief, Joy—to be present without needing to fix them. Breathe into each sensation, And on the inhale, Invite compassion. On the exhale, Release judgment, Knowing that every expression of care you have is valid. Imagine a gentle garden within your heart. See a variety of flowers, Some are bright and bold, Some are small and quiet, Each representing a way you have nurtured yourself and others. Walk slowly through your garden, Looking at these flowers. Pause at a flower that represents a tender act you have offered yourself. Touch it with gratitude. Notice another flower that represents fierce protection. Honor it. See a third bloom that represents playful teaching or creative tending, And let that flower resonate within you. Bring in each flower's glow, Softly and with acceptance. Allowing the garden to expand, Holding all expressions of what motherhood and mothering means to you and within you. Return to your heart center, And silently let go of any distractions that may be in your life. Constantly repeating your intention three times, Being fully present. I honor the mother within me in all ways she expresses herself. Feel the seed you've planted taking root and opening. Begin to deepen your breath. Start to wiggle your fingers and toes as you come back to wakefulness. Allow your head to gently roll from side to side. Bring small movements into your arms and legs. When you feel ready, Stretch your arms overhead and take a moment to rest, To reflect. Keep your eyes closed or with a soft gaze. Take a final deep breath into your heart and exhale with a soft smile. I invite you to journal about this experience, New awarenesses, New ways that you are feeling the mother within, Honoring her and all of her expressions of herself. Carrying the warmth of your inner motherhood in your life, In your day. Telling your story, Your way. This is Sandy Menzies, Signing off.