Starting Your Day

It’s helpful to start your day from a centered place. It can seem insurmountable- but it doesn’t have to be. If you have a lot of time in the morning, allot some of that time to a morning ritual that helps you remember who you are and why you’re here. If you don’t have a lot of time in the morning, just five minutes is enough. It doesn’t have to be long or complicated. It can be a simple prayer.

In the mornings it’s very easy for me to slip into “stress mode” trying to get my daughter ready for school and get us both off to work and school. On those mornings an outsider looking in would see a hectic, stressful circus: my husband and I quipping at each other, our daughter running around, the dog barking, all of us scrambling to eat breakfast. And I know our lives are easier than many – we only have one kid, and we are not struggling to put food on the table. And yet, getting centered for a new day takes some time and sustained attention.

I have several techniques I try to practice in the morning, before I even get out of bed. I say thank you to God for another day and say any prayers that come into my mind for that day. I focus on awakening love in my heart by centering my attention on my heart and breath and feeling love arise. I also like to remember the dreams I’ve had the night before and reflect on them. If I have more time I will read a devotional and practice yoga, drink lemon juice, and have some coffee. Most of the time, I just manage the coffee, but each day is different, and each day is a new chance. 

What is your favorite way to start the day?