Heart opening meditation to be done while feeding your baby.
Settle in and find a quiet,
Comfortable and relaxing space to feed your baby.
Whether you're feeding by bottle or breast,
Take this opportunity to connect and bond with your child as well as to calm and renew your own energy stores.
Try and position your child so that they have as much physical contact with you as possible,
Preferably with their bare skin touching your bare skin.
Make sure that you've got support under your arms and behind your back so that you can relax and let go of any physical stress and tension that you might be carrying.
As you begin to feed your baby,
Allow your body to lean back into the support,
Feeling your shoulders melt down your back.
Gently feel your chest and your heart soften and open.
Take a few slow,
Calming breaths and bring your mind into the present moment,
Letting go of any cares or worries that might be occupying your mind.
Observe the pace of your baby's breathing.
They're probably breathing quickly,
As eating can be hard work for them,
Especially if they're young.
Allow your breath to slow.
Start taking one breath for every two or three of your child.
See if you can synchronize your breathing with theirs,
Fostering a deeper connection between the two of you.
As you feel your baby drink,
Feel the warmth of their body in your arms.
Allow the sensation of that warmth to flow into your hands,
Up your arms,
Through your shoulders,
And finally settling in your heart center,
Located just under your breastbone at the center of your chest.
Feel that exchange of warmth,
Of love and care between your heart and your child.
Stay with the sensation.
Savor this feeling as long as you can.
If your mind wanders,
Just bring it back to the synchronized breathing and to that exchange of warm,
Loving energy between you and your baby.
You can stay present with these sensations for as long as the feeding takes place,
Or you can move on to other activities.
Either way,
Taking these few minutes to connect and to bond with your child,
As well as to calm your own nervous system,
Is a fantastic way to bring more health and well-being into both your lives.
