2011 - Talk Birth

(c) Karen Orozco, Portraits & Paws (Molly at 37 weeks)
(standing with arms in prayer position)
I open my arms wide to bring all of life into my being.
(opening arms and tracing the circle of the moon)
My arms form a temple above me, sheltering and protecting me.
I know that I am on holy ground.
(arms completing the circle extended with palms touching above the head)
Yielding now, softening, my body takes the shape of the crescent moon.
I see visions of women, young and old, helping and loving each other.
(bending to the side with arms still above the head and palms touching)
Rising up and bending to the other side, I know that my softness is my strength. I am tested, but
not broken.
(bending to the other side)
Up again, I feel the sweet stillness, always present within me.
(arms above head, palms still touching)
I step wide now into a squat. Mother Earth’s ferocious powers rise up through my strong legs, hips
and back. As woman, I give birth to all that is, caring for and protecting life.
(arms bent in priestess pose, legs bent and open in birth pose)
Straightening arms and legs, I am a star. I am the universe. Planets and galaxies whirl within me.
I radiate in all directions.
(legs straight and spread widely apart, arms straight out to the sides)
Supple and yielding, I stretch to the side. I open my arms and look up, opening to love and compassion.
I reach, yearning and striving, and yet rest, accepting fully.
(triangle pose)
Turning to pyramid pose, I become quiet. Head to knee, I sense the inner workings of my own being.
(typical runners’ stretch)
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