Our New Beginnings
I am fully prepared and committed to welcome this new life, as my growing baby begins to develop inside of me.
This week I will rest my body, relax my mind and befriend my breath, uniting with you in honor of our new beginnings.
A little blue line confirmed for me you are here.
Just a few tiny cells for now, the size of an apple seed, you are busy nestling into my uterus, where you will soon find a home to settle and grow over the next forty weeks.
Although I am barely pregnant, I nevertheless find myself naturally protecting you with my hands as you begin your quest for life.
I am excited yet nervous, knowing that over just forty weeks you will grow from some tiny cells not yet visible to the naked eye into my beautiful baby, who I will mother.
The signs of you being here are already beginning to show; my tastes are changing, smells are enhanced, my breasts are tender, and feelings of nausea and fatigue are emerging.
I try to welcome them all, in the knowledge that we both have an incredible journey of physical, emotional and spiritual growth and change ahead of us.
Intention
This week I will pack my imaginary bag for my new life ahead of me. I shall think about all the things I would like to take with me to enhance my experience:
courage, wisdom, faith, acceptance;
and choose what I would like to leave behind:
fear, anxiety, worries, concerns.
I will make friends with my inner self, who I will be traveling with, and greet her with love, laughter and joy.
BENEFITS: Abdominal Breathing improves circulation and respiration; soothes the nervous system; focuses and calms the mind.
CAUTIONS: If I have pelvic girdle discomfort I will practise this breath sitting on my heels with my knees together. I will place a cushion(s) between my sitting bones and my heels to bridge any gaps.
Pranayama for the Week
Abdominal Breathing
For this practice I will need a yoga mat and a small cushion.
This exercise is suitable for all stages of my pregnancy.
- I find a comfortable cross-legged sitting position and bring my hands around my belly.
- I close my eyes and take a moment to welcome you into my life. I find the natural rhythm of my breath and ride on the waves of my breath coming and going.
- Deepening my inhalations and lengthening my exhalations, I direct my breath down to you.
- I notice my belly rising when I inhale and falling when I exhale.
- This is abdominal breathing.
- I keep my breaths smooth and steady, being mindful of your presence.
- Staying connected with my breath for several minutes, I mindfully repeat this week’s affirmation:
I am fully prepared and committed to welcome this new life, as my growing baby begins to develop inside of me.
Reflection
In union we found peace in our body and mind, finding a foundation from which to begin the journey of our new beginnings. NAMASTÉ
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