Cold Weather Meditation for Mamas-To-Be

Autumn—crimson leaves cover the ground and cool crisp air inspires us to don layers of knitted clothing. Flowers fade, trees go bare, animals and insects prepare to sleep. What a season of dramatic transformation for mother nature! As she says goodbye to the glory of summer by trimming away excess, she makes space for the peaceful slumber of winter. This time of year invites us to turn inwards in preparation for the cold months ahead, often spending more time in self-reflection. 

Today we’re offering a special autumn meditation for mamas—an inspiring visualization exercise to help you connect with babe and harness the transformational power of the season. Not only are you preparing your little one for life beyond the womb, but you are also undergoing a sublime transformation into motherhood.

To get started, you’ll need to make yourself comfortable. Home should be a place of rest and ease as you begin to spend more time indoors this fall, so you might like to create a dedicated meditation corner which welcomes you to relax and feel extra cozy. Roll out your yoga mat and sit tall with your legs crossed; a pillow can be used to elevate your hips. Additionally, you can use pillows or rolled blankets to support your knees. Lastly, drape a luxurious blanket over your shoulders. The reading portion of this exercise will take about 5 minutes, but we encourage you to linger in meditation for as long as feels good to you! Feel free to lie down once the reading portion is complete, using your pillows and blanket to settle into complete ease for the duration of your meditation.

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Autumn Visualization

Take several warming breaths in and out. Let each breath greet your body with love. Welcome your body and mind into this moment. Here you are safe, supported, and at ease. (Pause) let the next several breaths greet your babe with love. Welcome your babe into this moment with you. Within your womb, babe is safe, supported, and at ease. 

You are sitting amidst the swaying trees in a quiet leafy forest. Lifting your gaze, you marvel at the great branches stretched towards the sky. Towering oaks and mighty maples—their leaves blazing colors of gold, ginger, and red. Summer has been sweet and the sun’s energy now runs deep within the roots of the forest floor. A cool wind dances low between the trees, whisking up fallen leaves into turbulent swirls. You can feel your own body rooted to the earth, connected to this life-giving energy.

Each tree stands tall next to its sister. They welcome every season with confidence, knowing that together they are strong. You place your hands on your growing belly. Your journey into motherhood is wild and wondrous, but you do not stand alone. Your forest is filled with mighty women who have braved countless seasons of motherhood beside you. Their roots are your roots and like the oaks and maples, your body is wise. As you breath in and out you feel mighty in your motherhood—infinite and enduring.

When you are ready to wake up your mind and body bring your attention back to the space you are in. Wake up your muscles by opening and closing your hands, shrugging your shoulders, and wiggling your toes. Open your eyes and sit quietly for a moment. Remember that as a mama-to-be the transformational power of autumn is within you! Throughout your journey to motherhood, you may notice how often nature is a reflection of your changing body. Connecting with the rhythm of the seasons is a way to live in harmony with mother nature, and trust in the wisdom of your own body.