Delighting in your baby's development.
We all want to be witnessed. As I witness Anaiya and her pre-crawling/pushing up on her arms and legs into plank, rocking her body back-and-forth, and scooting her butt backwards, I notice how much she enjoys being seen in this. Sure, she can do these explorations on her own but she lights up when I sit with her encouraging and congratulating her. It’s simple really, she loves to feel the connection between us as she explores and squeals in the delight and frustration.
I’ve watched this for years with clients. When they are offered a container, when they are shown presence, they feel seen in both their pain and their joys. They get to feel their aliveness and that they matter. Presence imprints a new possibility and sense of well-being in them which supports them in their confidence and knowing their innate basic goodness.
"Presence imprints a new possibility and sense of well-being in them which supports them in their confidence and knowing their innate basic goodness."
I can’t help but wonder what would happen as a collective if we never lost the wonder and joy of celebrating triumphs, discoveries and failures in one another? If we remained curious with each other.
As my baby grows and I find endless amazement in the simple things like her teeth pushing through the surface of her gums, like her reaching and grasping for everything she can get her hands on, and watching her eyes catch the movement of the trees or bodies dancing. What will happen if my delight for her never ceases? If, as she continues to discover new things about herself through her body, her emotions, her mind and her Spirit, I remain present and just as intrigued every step of the way. Not only is this my intention, it is also my intention to be aware when I am not being present and to acknowledge that to myself and her.
So much of the work I do with clients is going back in time to places in their childhood where they did not receive the care, presence, adoration and cherishing that they deserved. Part of our need for basic human secure attachment is to be delighted in.
"Part of our need for basic human secure attachment is to be delighted in."
It’s so simple really. Yet we allow our phones, our to-do list, and our seemingly adult priorities to distract us from the simple pleasures of witnessing.
I notice when I’m not paying attention to Anaiya she becomes more frustrated with her body. There is no container holding her and she explores. She lights up, her eyes bright and her smile wide when she feels me being with her and her discoveries. What’s more precious than that?
What occurs for you when you’re witnessed?
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