Take Your Baby on
a Color Walk
When you feel your
child move in your belly, your connection to nature and the mystery of life
awakens. For the first time in years, you may notice birds making their nests
in the spring, feel especially tender toward baby animals, or be aware of buds
unfolding. You may enjoy quiet moments during a busy day to commune with your
growing child. A color walk is a lovely practice that fits naturally with this
awakening to nature and your baby still cocooned in his dark, watery world.
Once
a week, take a leisurely walk and describe to your baby the world of color and
beauty that is waiting for him out here. Choose a different color every week. Wherever
you take your walk, through a city park, on the beach, along the river or
mountain path, or down a bustling city street, be your baby’s eyes and tell
your baby about everything of that color.
Your
narration might sound like this: Look, this shirt is red . . . There are
hundreds of roses bursting in red . . . The petals are very soft, like your
velvet-soft skin . . . Can you hear the red truck?. . . There’s our red
mailbox. I wonder what the letter carrier is bringing . . . “
Even before your baby
is born, taking him on a color walk begins building a playful relationship with
your baby. On a color walk, you are not just walking to get from here to there
or performing an exercise routine. Even before birth, nurturing your
relationship with your child helps you to see as a child sees and to be
delighted with the smallest miracles in nature.
Today it is a winter white day in Albuquerque. It snowed more last night than it has since some time in the 1930's. So today's color is WHITE. Take your baby on a White Winter Walk. Tell your baby about snow, about mittens and boots and how someday you will build a snowman together! When you drink hot chocolate, tell your baby about hot chocolate and marshmallows. Your little one growing within is a "sheep" (Chinese Astrology), so s/he will be plenty warm and cozy in you!
On my walk I took pictures of snowy madonnas. Here is one to celebrate the Great Mother, in nature, and within you.
