Using Breathwork to Transform Your Parenting
Have you ever experienced a moment when you responded well to a challenging situation with your child? Maybe it was a tantrum or their whining, and instead of reacting negatively, you managed to stay calm. You responded with compassion and empathy.
Take a moment to reflect on that experience – what were you thinking and how did you feel before and after the triggering event?
Imagine if you could replicate that feeling of calm and composure most of the time. What if you could bring that sense of peace into most of your responses as a parent?
A Shift
When we feel peaceful and calm, it changes how we show up in our role as parents. Our thoughts shift, our actions shift, and our reactions change.
But when we feel burnt out, angry, insecure, anxious, overwhelmed, or stressed as parents, our reactions are likely to be different.
When I’m stressed or anxious (which are often my biggest challenges), my older child can immediately sense my stress, “you look stressed mama. Are you?” The stress becomes his (we should start working on his energetic boundaries, but that’s another post…)
I become less present, more distracted, in my own head. I’m more likely to snap at small things.
Breathwork can take me out of this state. Almost instantly. Breathwork has the power to transform motherhood for all of us.
Breath: Our Most Powerful Tool
The most accessible and powerful tool we have is our breath. Just a few minutes of breathwork can calm the nervous system, increase energy, boost mood, give us a sense of peace, and allow us to connect to our little ones in a more engaged and present way.
Using Breathwork to Transform Parenting:
Box Breathing Practice
One of the breathwork practices I love is called box breathing, or Samavritti pranayama in Sanskrit. It’s a simple yet powerful practice used for stress reduction and anxiety.
This is a practice you can do anywhere, anytime which makes it one of my favorites. Some of the practices involve more forceful breaths or some physical movement and maybe doing them in the line at Target might feel a little like you’re drawing some unwanted attention to yourself, but this one is imperceptible.
It involves inhaling for four counts, holding the breath at the top for four counts, exhaling for four counts, and then holding the breath at the bottom for four counts – all through the nose and into the belly. Try to keep the same quality of breath at the beginning, middle, and end of the breath. Don’t force it, just slow and easy. If 4 counts doesn’t work for you, try something different.
As you engage in this practice, pay attention to any physical or emotional sensations that arise. Notice if your body gives you any messages or if your intuition starts firing up. Afterward, take a few moments to jot down any notes about your experience.
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By incorporating breathwork into our lives intentionally, we can transform our minds and bodies. It allows us to access a state of peace and ease, helping us become more present and empathetic parents.
Have you tried this practice before? I’d love to hear what you think. 👇🏼👇🏼Comment below and let me know👇🏼👇🏼.
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