State of Mind and Our Birth
I read the most amazing birth story at The Gift of Giving Life blog. (I love her blog btw) The mom had a normal, uncomfortable birth with her first. When she was pregnant with her second she went to a retreat where she had time to reflect on her fears of life and birth and really work through them. She got to a place where she decided to welcome any experience.
and then I meditated on each of them by actually opening up to the idea that I would be willing to experience those things, if it did in fact become “my turn” to experience them.
She shared this thought, which I REALLY LOVE!
The Buddists say that pain is inevitable – but suffering is a painful feeling about pain. Pain is simply a sensation, but suffering comes from thinking that what is, shouldn’t be.
She came to this realization:
In my attempt to avoid the fear and pain and discomfort that comes with mortality, I couldn’t help but see how I drew it nearer to me and caused more pain. In this new awareness I found myself saying, “Yes, I AM willing. I Am. So be it.” My heart burst wide open and all those fears just slipped away as I said YES to all of life.
So what does this have to do with birth?
It was in this state of mind- this intense willingness to feel what it feels like to be alive – to intently receive EVERYTHING that life has to offer me – that I gave birth to our second son. I was totally, completely willing to experience birth fully, unlike I had ever done before.
Did letting go of her fear make a difference?
You have to go read the birth story to find out!
Wow, I think I found a favorite new blog (I happen to be LDS as well and hoping to get pregnant so I can have a december homebirth). Thanks for sharing!
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enjoybirth
Twitter: enjoybirth
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March 24th, 2010 at 3:32 am
Have fun TTC!
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I love the quote about “The Buddhists say…” I am currently preparing for a hypnobabies birth and the one thing that has bothered me is the inability to call what I am experiencing, “pain.” I’ve found that pain can be very constructive if you are focusing on it as a tool of growth and personal transformation- and also a necessary part of growth and transformation. I imagine that changing from a caterpillar to a butterfly is not the most pleasant experience for the insect.
But pain does NOT have to be and equivalent term for suffering. That’s why I know I don’t need (or want!) drugs to get through childbirth.
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enjoybirth
Twitter: enjoybirth
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March 24th, 2010 at 3:33 am
It is all about perception, isn’t it? The great thing about Hypnobabies is you can make it individualized. So if the word pain doesn’t bother you, then feel free to use it.
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Great post, Sheridan–I am truly inspired by your blog!!
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