Meditation

I was never really into yoga or meditation. I couldn’t understand the appeal and didn’t think that it offered any more relaxation than a good massage. However, I have since become a believer in it. Studies and and the sage advice of many a mother have long suggested that your mood affects your baby.

I have come to enjoy the routine of putting her to sleep… rocking her (yes, I still rock her and yes, I know it is not recommended by most pediatricians) and being close to her. Every evening, we turn the lights in Sophia’s nursery down, she nuzzles her head in my arms and I start to relax as I recount the day in my head. I focus on tomorrow’s to-do’s and watch the neighborhood lights twinkle. As I recount what was done and what remains to be done, I slowly unwind, my mind wonders and suddenly I realize that some time has passed and I didn’t think of anything really, just quietly willing her to sleep, to have a good night and to rest. For whatever reason, when I let go of my planner-like self, relax and give my mind a break, I emerge from the nursery anew. It is difficult to understand how ten minutes to yourself or is it away from yourself can make such a big difference.