First Time Spanking My Submissive Wife

Today was a huge day for me and my submissive wife. I decided it was time to take our relationship to the next level by giving her what she craves, a firm, educational spanking. It was exhilarating yet nerve-wracking. Her bottom got warm real quick after just a few swats. She gasped with each one, but her eyes never left mine as if looking for that connection, that understanding. We had talked about discipline before, but today felt different, like the moment we both needed to deepen our bond. Is this something you all would consider normal in a DDLG relationship? How do others navigate these transitions?