I used to have a pretty structure practice of prayer and meditation, i would start my day with prayer and sit in silence on a meditation cushion for 20 minutes to start the day. I would then do a similar practice in the evening.
When my daughter Winnie was born almost over 3 months a go, I had to learn to pray more fluidly and less on a rigid schedule. I still try to make time for silence and prayer, and of course we can pray through out the day, but I am talking about the intentional time one takes to make an effort to be quiet and open the heart to God or something greater than ourselves.
I have since college incorporated a meditation practice into my life, which became more on a regular for the past 3 years. A really helpful practice is walking meditation, which I try to do when I go on walks with my daughter in a carrier. She is happily passed out on my past. I focus on my breath, my steps, the warmth of my daughter's body next to mine, and sort of open up. It helps to start with my own breath, body sensations, before I open up to everything else. I find this practice grounding, and it helps me to be more centered and grounded as I am being present to my daughter.
If you are Christian, repeating the Jesus Prayer as you walk is really helpful, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me." It is a simple prayer that's been part of the early Church and still practiced by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church and other traditions. There's many variations of this prayer, but whichever one you choose, you can incorporate it with your breath.
When I was a practicing Catholic, I used to pray the rosary on my walks and that was really helpful.
I find the practice of tuning into my breath and body really beneficial, whether you are of any particular faith or not.
I also find the time I am feeding my daughter to be a very special and intimate time. I give a prayer of thanks and love, sometimes silently and sometimes by just speaking out loud "Thank You, I Love You." My daughter seems to always enjoy it. You can also do breath and body scan exercises as you feed your child, if you are interested in more the meditative practices.
When my daughter Winnie was born almost over 3 months a go, I had to learn to pray more fluidly and less on a rigid schedule. I still try to make time for silence and prayer, and of course we can pray through out the day, but I am talking about the intentional time one takes to make an effort to be quiet and open the heart to God or something greater than ourselves.
I have since college incorporated a meditation practice into my life, which became more on a regular for the past 3 years. A really helpful practice is walking meditation, which I try to do when I go on walks with my daughter in a carrier. She is happily passed out on my past. I focus on my breath, my steps, the warmth of my daughter's body next to mine, and sort of open up. It helps to start with my own breath, body sensations, before I open up to everything else. I find this practice grounding, and it helps me to be more centered and grounded as I am being present to my daughter.
If you are Christian, repeating the Jesus Prayer as you walk is really helpful, "Lord Jesus Christ, son of God, have mercy on me." It is a simple prayer that's been part of the early Church and still practiced by members of the Eastern Orthodox Church and other traditions. There's many variations of this prayer, but whichever one you choose, you can incorporate it with your breath.
When I was a practicing Catholic, I used to pray the rosary on my walks and that was really helpful.
I find the practice of tuning into my breath and body really beneficial, whether you are of any particular faith or not.
I also find the time I am feeding my daughter to be a very special and intimate time. I give a prayer of thanks and love, sometimes silently and sometimes by just speaking out loud "Thank You, I Love You." My daughter seems to always enjoy it. You can also do breath and body scan exercises as you feed your child, if you are interested in more the meditative practices.
Loved to read everything you wrote while you are taking care of your baby Winnie. Enjoy the time! Greatful for you mentioned Jesus Prayer. I practice when I am in desperate situation. Nothing else is better, but simply I cry out,"Lord, have mercy on me or call my loved one's name." Thank you for your sharing how you meditate. It is just so wonderful to read!! gm
ReplyDeleteThank you GM Sarie for reading and commenting on my blog.
Delete