We live in an era where normal physiological birth is rarely seen, let alone a spiritual birth.
Yet the blossoming of pregnancy and childbirth is the perfect initiation to spirituality, opening a doorway for awakening conscious awareness of ourselves, our bodies and our babies.
Birth forces us to face our innermost fears and emerge stronger, likened to practises for spiritual growth.
Many cultures consider birth sacred, honoured with rituals, ceremonies and songs for spiritual protection and easy birth.
Meanwhile, modern western culture treats birth as physical only and the woman as a mere incubating vessel, perpetuating the myth of mind separate from body.
The culture of fear, inadequate preparation, and support for the depth of transformation that occurs, leads women to accept that birth is the price we pay and causes many women to leave their body to the experts. Yet giving our power away is probably the biggest mistake of all.
With conscious preparation of mind body and spirit, birth can be profoundly moving and empowering. We discover birth is not to be feared, numbed or endured but a powerful journey of self-discovery to be fully experienced.
How far a woman engages with this inner journey lies with her, although much depends on the kind of support available to her during this time.
Many of our challenges, traumas or joys are formed from our experiences of love, compassion, kindness – or lack thereof.
In this transformation of self, kind and loving support through the process makes all the difference.
At its essence, the spirituality of birth is LOVE.
A birthing woman in her power (empowered and supported by love and kindness) is a sight to behold. She emanates spiritual strength, working together with the conscious being within to bring about a safe and gentle entry into the world.
Those fortunate to have witnessed or experienced such a birth will agree that something ‘otherworldly’ was occurring.
In my new book, A Modern Woman’s Guide to a Natural Empowering Birth, everyday mothers from all walks of life explore birth as a positive and spiritual experience; “Birth was an experience where spirit mind and body became one and I became the birthing goddess I was meant to be.” Some felt a strong connection with all women who have birthed including their own mother and with the primitive aspect of themselves repeated over time.”
How would it change our experience and society if we introduced a new “spiritual model of care” with gentle birthing spaces as the norm and women treated with dignity, loving kindness and respect?
Now is the time to raise our consciousness and the next generation in pure love!
Katrina Zaslavsky (As first published in Holistic Bliss Magazine as a former birth columnist)
Birth Goddess: A Positive Birth Revolution
