Welcome to Week Four!
We’ve done a LOT of work in the last few weeks… a lot of thinking, a lot of planning, a lot of dreaming, and a lot of scheming as we figure out how to bring our intentions and goals to fruition.
This week, we’ll slow down a bit. We’ll dive into some mindfulness practices that will help you ease into your mornings and days as you begin to cultivate the PASSIONATE PRESENCE you need to live your life to the fullest.
Creating a Mindful Morning Routine
I may be biased on this because I am a morning person, but I think starting off the day with an intentional and meaningful morning routine is the key to a productive, meaningful day!
Ultimately, the things you include in your morning routine are up to you, but allow me to share some of the most recommended practices:
- Drink some water — you’re a bit dehydrated in the morning, and it helps wake you up!
- Meditation/Silence/Prayer (see below for a guided morning meditation)
- Exercise — even just a few jumping jacks, sit-ups, push-ups, and stretches are great for your body, and release some feel-good hormones
- Journal — mornings can be a lovely time for silent reflection
- Set your intentions for the day
Obviously, there are lots of things you can do to ritualize your morning and feed your body, mind, and soul. Some other suggestions are:
- Pull a card from a card deck (like this one here — one of my faves!) — use for reflection and/or journaling
- Light a candle or an essential oil diffuser
- Read from scripture or a favorite book
- Visualize what you want to accomplish today
- If possible, spend a few moments outside
- Yoga, Tai-Chi, or Chi-gong
- Listen to music (soothing, inspirational, energetic — it’s up to you!)
- Practice a different type of meditation — lovingkindness, walking meditation, self-compassion practice, etc.
- Write in a gratitude journal
- Recite a mantra — my favorite one for the morning is below:
Perhaps one of the most important components of a good morning… is a good evening. Take some time to organize your things before bed, perhaps even identifying the goals and tasks you need to do the next day. Straighten up your desk, and get to bed early!
You can listen to a guided meditation for your morning by clicking the link below:
What do you like to do as part of your morning routine?