Through meditation you can find peace of mind and can come back to this place at any time. Creating your own inner sanctuary can bring huge benefits, especially if you encounter any stresses and need to remember what your life is all about.

Some people think that to engage in meditation means that you must be a particularly spiritual person. I do not believe this to be true. You can meditate based on the real truths in your life. You do not necessarily need to think about yourself as being a higher spiritual being or feel at one with the elements. Instead you can think about who you are, what your relationships mean and where you are in your life. Below are some techniques you might like to try. Whatever you choose, try and find a quiet relaxing space, maybe a corner of your bedroom or just relaxing on a comfy sofa. You can sit cross legged or in half or full lotus if you have the ability and it is comfortable (ful lotus is shown in the above picture, half lotus is with just one leg lifted onto the other – if you take the half lotus, alternate legs when you meditate). Alternatively you can lie in Savasana (lying on the back wth palms facing up and feet gentle dropped outwards) or find your own position. It helps to be in an area free from distration, so maybe clear away any washing or clutter before you begin!

• Focus on the sound of your breathing. Think about the fresh air flowing through your lungs. Know that your breath is reaching your baby and your body is providing everything your baby needs to exist. Think about how safe your baby is, tucked up, warm in your tummy. Think about how happy you are to be carrying a small life inside you. Imagine what it will be like when you first meet your new baby, face to face. Imagine lying down, breathing in this same way with your baby lying on your chest.
• Let the breath relax. Count each breath until you reach the number ten. By now you should feel relaxed and open. Think about the last time you smiled and the circumstances that made you happy. Then let your mind recall other times you have been really happy, times you have laughed out loud or smiled with inward contentment. Think about the people in your life who make you happy, who enhance your life. Put all these thoughts and people in a place in your mind, creating a room or a bubble for them. If you find yourself at another time feeling down or frustrated, close your eyes, breath deeply and go to this place.
• Slow the breathing down, with each breath feel the body realxing more. Imagine yourself standing infront of a full length mirror. Take a look at yourself and be truthful in your opinion. Try not to focus on your negative ideas but think of the great things about you, for example, how you are giving life to your baby. Do not just look at the physical side of yourself but look deeper into your personality. What qualities do you have? Ask yourself this question – WHO AM I? You do not need to find an answer, just think about the question and let whatever thoughts appear float around for a while. Look at where you are right now in your life. Then look closer in the mirror and you will see the reflection is not what you thought at first. This is you in the future. You look at the reflection and it is everything you are and everything you wish to be. Know that you can come back here and step into this mirror to become the reflection whenever you feel ready.
• For a more visual meditation (I personally like this one the most), deepen the breath and think of someone important to you (or more than one). Hold hands with them and transport yourselves to an open air setting. Make it as lovely as you can, a soft sandy beach or a lush green hill. Go for a walk and listen to the sounds of nature, be they waves or birdsong. After a while bend your knees and push up off the ground, taking your companion(s) with you. You fly up into the warm blue sky, maybe brushing through clouds, and move freely around in the sky. You can fly off anywhere you like and see whatever you wish to see. Enjoy!

Try sitting in butterfly each day, even if just for a few minutes. You can spend a little time becoming more aware of your breathing, taking nice long inhalations and exhalations, meditate a little, even sing a song to your baby (it is believed your baby begins to recognize your voice during the second trimester).