Relaxation Poem

We discuss mental relaxation in Class 4 as one of the three important ways to practice and learn to relax: physical, mental and emotional. I want to share the poem that we read during our relaxation practice in Class 4, as a sample of something to relaxing on which to focus your mind. 

Coaches - It is a great idea to gather some poems, verses, and/or book passages that your wife/parter would enjoy hearing you read both during relaxation practice throughout pregnancy as well as during early labor. Another wonderful idea is to write a letter together (or two letters separately) to your unborn baby about how excited you are to welcome him/her to the outside world. This could be a wonderful encouragement and relaxation for a mom to hear her coach read this aloud to remind her of the beautiful work and important purpose of what her body is doing to bring your baby from life on the inside of her womb to life in your arms together.


P.S. The poem was written to be read during class to the couple, but I've included a few words to exchange when the coach is reading to his partner in [brackets]. And remember to read VERY SLOWLY, pausing frequently, softly, and in a low voice.
...


Let your whole being
sink slowly, slowly, slowly,
Feel your muscles
becoming limp and loose and comfortable.
Drifting or floating,
relaxed and comfortable,
warmth and heaviness spread through your body.
The baby in your uterus
is warm and heavy.
Feel warmth and heaviness
spreading from the baby to your abdomen, hips
thighs, knees, lower legs, ankles,
feet and toes.
Slowly, the lower half of you is
loose and limp,
warm and heavy.


The upper half of you awaits its turn.
Slowly release, let go,
warm and heavy,
limp and loose.
Let every cell absorb and enjoy,
spreading up back and front,
chest and shoulders.
Arms and hands and fingers let go.


As your neck releases tension,
your head slowly shifts and becomes
more and more relaxed.
Nearer and nearer that comfortable state of
relaxation.


Erase the worries from your brow,
eyes loose but closed.
Eyes and all around the eyes
limp and loose.
Cheeks loosen and droop,
jaw drops.
Tongue is loose in your mouth,
lips part slightly.
Warm, heavy, and comfortable.


Deep slow, heavy breathing.
Breathe in and out slowly,
abdomen up an down slowly.
Limp and loose,
warm and heavy,
comfortably relaxed.


In your mind's eye...
hold a softly purring kitten in your lap
while sunshine warms you [us] both.
Listen to the laughter of children
sledding on a crisp sparkly snowy hill.
Ride a bicycle on a lazy autumn afternoon,
hair blowing in the wind.
Sit before a roaring, snapping fire
with a red shiny apple ready to eat.
Watch a robin build her nest,
weaving string and straw with precision.
Lie on the warm sand, you and your love [me],
while the waves roll up on the beach.


Limp and loose,
warm and heavy,
comfortable and relaxed.


by Rhondda Evans Hartman
© AAHCC