To me, being mindful is learning to be better. It’s about quieting the “noise” in the mind in order to create a life that is more meaningful and free, living for this moment only. Becoming mindful was critical for me to get through my pregnancy, the birth of my son and basically for everyday life. I’m blessed to have had two years of sobriety behind me before I started the journey of motherhood, because I struggled with accepting that I would be a good enough mom. I spent a lot of the first trimester in fear about it, until I found a meditation meeting and realized that meditation was the missing puzzle piece in my life.
When I first found out I was pregnant, I was shocked. I actually had to take the test three times over three days to believe it. I didn’t know whether I was excited or scared or what I was feeling. All I know is the ability to sleep solid through the night was history, then the nausea kicked in. My anxiety went into overdrive and wondered how the heck I was going make it the rest of the way through pregnancy. Then the second trimester came, I felt better and something changed in me. Something primal. I reached that place of acceptance. This baby was meant for me, and I would be good enough for him. Come third trimester… then birth… It all went by so fast.
Having babies used to be something I thought people just did, but having my own child changed all that. It was the most transformational experience of my life. How empowering it is to know that what grew from a little seed inside of me, now breathes in the air and light of the world. Giving birth was the most wonderful experience. I now feel connected to all the mothers who carried a baby and gave birth before me.
Without dedication to daily meditation during my pregnancy, I don’t know how I would’ve made it through. I’ve always struggled with anxiety so I wasn’t surprised when it hit in pregnancy, but I knew that caring for my baby included doing whatever I needed to care for myself. Meditation is crucial in conquering anxiety. I really wish I had started practicing it sooner… For me, guided meditation is my favorite. Mostly, I use guided meditations from apps like Insight Timer and Calm among other in person group meditations.
Becoming more mindful has honestly taken my anxiety levels from 10’s to 3’s. When I take time to calm my mind, everything is easier to deal with. I can definitely feel a difference if I don’t take the time for my daily practice. Being a new mama, it’s just as important now as it was in pregnancy. Despite all the craziness around me, making time to quiet my mind is one of the most important parts of my day.
