Oct 5, 2021
Swaddling
Babies, when firstborn, are often swaddled, layers of cloth wrappings snugly fitted around their bodies for protection and warmth, recreating the close comfort of the womb.
Does it seem strange to you that this practice is reserved for human babies only? Or does it simply seem reasonable given that humans alone choose to cover themselves?
Some animals, of course, shelter their young with their own bodies. Some provide other instinctual protections, but none can swaddle their offspring quite like humans.
As children grow, the restrictions inherent to swaddling become less a comfort and more an annoyance. Growing human babies want to move, be free to explore. Even if agility is not yet reached, the thrill of movement urges them on.
Many parents would see this as a natural and expected transition. One that affirms the positive development of their young, for surely only those whose development was hindered would choose to remain bundled and cosseted. And ’tis true, some adult humans who have emotional or psychological difficulties can be soothed by a modified form of swaddling. Perhaps, it subconsciously returns them to the safety of the womb. Perhaps, it creates a barrier to everything outside themselves. Either way, comfort is comfort. And this method, at least, does no harm.
So, many of you would now be thinking, “Yes, poor souls, imagine being that distressed?” but if you pause a moment to reflect, your mind just may conjure memories of maybe several times that you yourself had been distressed enough to automatically seek the comfort of modified swaddling.
You may have chosen to envelope yourself in a blanket. You may have chosen to simply cover yourself in a favorite outfit, probably one that psychologically represented armor more than fashion.
Mm. As you ponder, is your mind making more and more connections? Do you see now how many times you have self-comforted in this manner?
We do not ask you to remember this to make you feel foolish. We merely wish you to recognize the unconscious and automatic need for the occasional return to protected innocence.
Your life, your world, can seem harsh at times; a temporary retreat into safety and inaction is understandable. It does not indicate a lack of mature development.
A return to any form of swaddling is an affirmation of your humanness only. This ability is one of the many that separates human consciousness from animal.
Self-comfort is an achievement of the aware. Never feel lessened should you choose to re-experience protected innocence, beloved children. Wrap yourselves up whenever the need be, knowing that we and the world will watch and bide ’til you are ready to move and explore once again.
Namaste
Channeled Text
Strange Gems
The above channeling was received well before the pandemic began. It may seem odd to republish it now when so many people are experiencing unsought-for isolation. But I believe it holds a needful message for this time.
The current global situation has enabled some to experience a way of being they would never have dreamt of without it. And it appears, to me, that some have not only managed to accept this stepping away but may have come to embrace it fully. Maybe to the extent that they are tempted to push themselves further into complete withdrawal for longer than necessary. Perhaps a few “once hermits” are remembering themselves. I don’t know. But I believe reluctance to return to normal life will become a common feeling. And I thought that some might benefit from reassurance that it is okay to feel that way. And not just now but at any time.
My recent reading on this platform also prompted this republishing. I have lately read several pieces declaring that their writers intend to “take a break” from their usual interactions with others writers and fans. I believe more will, either consciously or unconsciously, follow suit. And although that seems a shame, I cannot manage to see it as a bad thing for them.
Our ever-changing lifestyles, brought on by the pandemic, can urge us to make decisions that appear odd to others. And we may begin to walk down paths we may not have chosen otherwise. But I believe if we who remain healthy and untouched by deep loss look around more carefully as we plod along, we would find our paths to be strewn with many strange gems. Gifted gems, that could eventually prove to be of more worth than we could have ever previously imagined.
Namaste
Claire
The linked channeling was written at the beginning of the pandemic. It is also a message of reassurance.
