Waking up this morning, I smile,
Twenty four brand new hours are before me.
I vow to live fully in each moment
and to look at all beings with eyes of compassion.
-- Thich Nhat Hanh
How do you wake up in the morning? Do you eject out of bed like a canon ball the minute your eyes open, or do you take a moment or two to connect to your inner core, you know, the center of your being that thinks that shooting out of bed is for less mindful people?
It's not that rushing out of bed makes you a less conscious person, it just makes you less connected and aware of every moment of your day, especially the ones that begin your morning, which are important moments to acknowledge.
How we start our day really does set the foundation for the rest of it, and if you have to jump out of bed instead of calmly "rolling" out of it for reasons that are justifiable or necessary for you, then here are some ways to make up for it at other times in your day:
1. Meditate at one point for 20 minutes.
2. Try not to rush during your meals, and mindfully eat your food.
3. If you're at work, stop what you're doing and take a few deep breaths in and out.
4. Say a mantra quietly to yourself during the day when you can't meditate. It can be something like "I'm in gratitude," or "world peace," or "self love," etc.
5. Talk to people without thinking about what you have to do next.
6. Don't drink a lot of caffeine. We all know how easy it is to keep your adrenals pumped up, but try not to overdo it, and if you can, substitute it with decaf or herb tea.
7. Do something nice for someone. Ask them if they need anything, or just offer to do what you think they would like.
8. Don't forget the "I love you." You can always squeeze in one of those to someone you care about even if you're rushed, but what's better is if you say it not rushed, which will sound more meaningful.
9. Simply connect. Look someone in the eye and communicate what you're feeling. Take a moment or two to relate mindfully rather than distractedly.
10. Shower or bathe slowly at the end of your day. Surrender to allowing yourself to wash your body with appreciation.
11. Get into bed and be thankful for your life.
Whether you get out of bed like a canon ball, or you roll, try and catch yourself in the midst of your pace and calibrate yourself to be more mindful. There can never be enough mindfulness in your day.