Hypnobirthing is a lifestyle choice
- helenseward1
- Apr 10, 2014
- 5 min read
The news of Peaches Geldof's death, when she had made such a drastic lifestyle change, grown up and become a happy, content and, by all accounts, pretty awesome Mum is sad. Having children changes you, whether you expect it to or not and sometimes in ways you cannot expect or imagine. Her final editorial shows vividly just how far she had come to change her life, for the better, for her children: http://www.motherandbaby.co.uk/2014/04/peaches-geldof-1989-2014
But it got me to thinking about what impacts lifestyle change and how it effects different people in different ways.
Take, for example, my latest lifestyle choice of "Slimming World". I've noticed that to be committed to this diet, it become less of a diet and more of a lifestyle choice. In order to maintain it and not be working to a set of rules and regulations daily, I have had to embrace it, understand it, and appreciate what dedication it takes to achieve my goal of losing weight. So far so good, as I've lost a stone and 9lbs since January (only one stone and 5lbs to go now!). However, what will I do when I get to my goal weight? Will I continue with the regimen? Or will I revert to my previous habits, and ultimately put the three (planned) stones back on? Or, will I continue to understand the way of life that has become the norm, but just give myself the odd treat or day off?
I then found myself wondering how it is for vegetarians...again, a lifestyle choice, perhaps bought about by health concerns, or maybe psychological choices having witnessed the impact on animals that is the human carnivore's way, or something else entirely. Of the vegetarians I've known, I know many are very dedicated to their choice, but some fall off the bandwagon after a time...usually for a bacon sandwich!
So then, how goes the choice to hypnobirth?
Sure, a pregnancy is thrust upon us and for those 9 months, we are given a certain lifestyle; one where our thoughts, actions and ambition is all about the child growing inside of us. But when we choose to following the path of hypnobirthing, we make an impassioned choice to decide how our life and the life of our baby will be. And, it could be merely for those 9 months of pregnancy, while we grow and nurture our unborn child, but sometimes it can become much more than that.
For me, hypnobirthing has become an ongoing lifestyle choice. It changed me fundementally as a person to believe wholeheartedly that there is another way, a beautiful way, and empowered way filled with joy, which is how I wanted to feel (and did) about the arrival of my children in this world; and for what I now commit myself is to help other women to find this same passion for a lifestyle, a decision.
To commit to a pregnancy filled with the overwhelming desire to birth calmly, peacefully, happily and in an empowered way, the decision you make to hypnobirth will fundementally change you too. Maybe not forever, as it has me and many others who teach it; but for the duration of your pregnancy your life not only changes for your pregnancy's sake, but for the sake of your commitment and desire to greet your baby happily, with joy and positivity.
It takes practice, it takes patience and it takes belief in yourself and your body. Your daily routine changes, your thinking changes, your life therefore, changes! Like any change of lifestyle. It takes up some time, it takes up some energy, but it also takes up your soul...it becomes your soul's sole purpose and can become the centre of your world, for the sake of the lifestyle that is a positive pregnancy and your baby's positive prenatal and birth experience.
For you, it may continue into parenthood, too. Our calm and relaxed approach as new parents to the prospect of a new baby was remarked upon by our Health Visitor who couldn't believe us to be first time parents, because we were so chilled out. And for my fellow Wise Hippo instructor, Steph, she still uses the skills she learnt to help her raise three teenage boys (Read her blog here: http://hypnobirthing-essex.co.uk/follow-us/blog/entry/teenagers-and-hypnobirthing.html)!
Once you know what it is to hypnobirth, the skills, knowledge and power stays with you for life; and like me with the dieting, it's whether you want it to continue for life or just a period of your life, that is your final choice.
I'll leave you with this thought that I've heard many times regarding friends, which I think is pretty conclusive when compared to lifestyle choices...and it's up to us or our needs that decides if a choice we make becomes a lifelong lifestyle or merely a fleeting change...
"People come into your life for a reason, a season, or a lifetime.
"When you figure out which it is, you know exactly what to do. When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed outwardly or inwardly. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally, or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend, and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up or out and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled; their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and it is now time to move on.
"When people come into your life for a SEASON, it is because your turn has come to share, grow, or learn. They may bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it! It is real! But, only for a season.
"LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons; those things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person/people (anyway); and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant."
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