Pregnancy is one of the most incredible and challenging journeys the body ever goes on. Because we live in a world that often expects us to move and to act in ways that don't respect or honor our bodies, pregnancy can also test and expand our ability to care for ourselves in ways we may not have before now. Use these four tips to help you get through the process with grace and ease.
1)Remember to breathe.
The truth is, you're going to be doing this soon enough during birth, right? But remembering to breath right now helps your body fight off stress, kicks in a relaxation response, and keeps that little being in there from being rocked by stress-related hormones. If you feel your stress level rising, take a few breaths and come back to center. It's amazing what a difference this makes-and what good practice you'll be giving yourself for the future!
2)Listen
Many of us have never learned to really listen to our bodies and what they need. There's nothing like pregnancy to plunge you into the world of strange cravings and utter meltdown. For the first time in your life, you may have to stop everything else to listen to your body rather than the other way around. Consider this early training in child-rearing and be a good parent to your own body. Be gentle and compassionate if you need to slow down, take a vacation day or give in to a wild craving.
3)Befriend your body.
One girlfriend of mine who had struggled with body image her whole life admitted that the thing she feared most about having kids wasn't actually raising them-an understandably daunting task-but instead, having to surrender her body to the changes and whims of being pregnant. Because she'd always seen her body as a strange object she coexisted with, she was sure she'd feel blindsided by its growing shape and needs.
In fact, the opposite happened. My friend became a fan of her body. She was so impressed with everything it was doing that she wanted to be a good partner with her body and give it what it needed. For the first time in her life, she felt what it was like to be connected to her body rather than judging it or at odds with it. This made all the difference, not only in her pregnancy but in the months of early motherhood when she was less able to sleep or exercise. Her connection to her body allowed her to keep loving and caring for her body rather than judging or criticizing it.
4)Have a vision of what you want.
Let's face it. Whether anyone talks about it or not, pregnancy is a kind-of scary thing. We know that this thing that's growing inside is is going to have to come out, one way or another-and it's a mystery to many of us how it is that nature allows that to happen. When your fears start getting in the way, give yourself and your body a vision of your ideal outcome. Close your eyes and see yourself going through the birth process-or anything else that creates anxiety-with grace, peace and whatever other qualities you'd like to invite.
See what it feels like to experience that vision, not only in your head but with your whole body. Recreate that vision with your breath and your feelings until it's absolutely real. Then use that vision as a place to go to whenever you need. The mindbody connection is a powerful tool for communicating the kind of response and experience you'd most like to have.
Pregnancy is a strange miracle, and if you're in the middle of a challenging one now these tips can help you stay focused and prepare for what's to come. Honoring and listening to your body and taking the time to breathe and respect what's happening will make the journey easier and give you tools you'll use not only now, but in the months and years to come.
Author Resource:-
Anna Stookey is a psychotherapist & bodymind coach who helps people move into their highest vision of health and wellness by partnering with their bodies rather than working against them. Ongoing blog at: bodyreunion.blogspot.com or sign on to the website:
bodymindguide.com
![[Valid RSS feed]](http://www.massagebyben.com/articles/images/icon_Rss.png "XML Feed For RSS"){kind=icon}
Category Rss Feed
Print This Article
Add To Favorites 