Good Morning – or Is It?

Good Morning ... or is it?
 
You’ve heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day but do you know what is perhaps the most significant moment of your day? The beginning! Each morning is a new day, a chance to approach your life with more love, joy, and appreciation than you did yesterday. It’s an amazing opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your day. Are you missing your opportunity? Do you jump out of bed at the first sound of your alarm and immediately dive into a mindless routine before rushing out of the house? Or perhaps you like to press snooze multiple times delaying the inevitable, and then lazily making your way to a cup of coffee? Think about your morning routine and consider how it may be impacting the rest of your day. If you are not doing things in the morning that are mindful and nourishing, chances are the rest of your day will follow suit.
 
Instead of just going through the motions each morning, I invite you to create a ritual that supports your entire day. What can you do that creates more calm, peace and centering? I awake each day to the chime of my Zen alarm clock which is far more pleasant sounding than an alarm buzzer or cell phone ring. I do not press snooze because after reading several sleep studies, I learned that snoozing actually makes you more tired. After stretching a bit, I place both feet on the floor and before leaping out of bed, I take a moment to get grounded and connect to my body. Then I head to my altar and mediate for a minimum of fifteen minutes which I complete with some uplifting music. Next it’s on to either a cup of tea or a workout depending on the day. When I do not participate in my morning ritual, I always notice the difference. I do not feel as peaceful or present on the days when I sacrifice ritual for routine.
 
So get up on the right side of bed by creating a morning ritual for yourself. Instead of speeding up, slow down to start your day. Just five minutes of listening to a favorite song, writing in a journal, breathing, or taking a quick step outside will make a difference in your day. Even if it means getting up a little earlier to engage in your ritual, it is totally worth it! Make each morning in your life a Beautiful Morning.