There's magic in the early hours, a time when the world is still waking up, there's a renewed feeling to the energy surrounding us and we have the opportunity to set the tone for our day. Establishing a mindful morning ritual can transform your entire outlook and approach to life.
My Journey to Mindful Mornings
Life's a journey, Embracing this life and all that I am in a positive and impactful way is a purpose driven goal I hope to fulfill. Embracing means to willingly accept. That's not always easy, sometimes you are just at that point where you are just breathing through it for a moment. Throughout this life, I have often found myself overwhelmed. Feeling like the day, week, month, even sometimes year had owned me in some way or another by the end of it. Like a never ending wash, dry, repeat... dry, wash, dry.(where was I?).. then toss in a mishap here, a sick kid, some pain or stiffness there, a endless list of to dos as a mom, wife, business owner, friend etc. and you find yourself just pushing through, even just surviving at times. For most, it can take a long time before you even realize you are caught in the whirlwind(sometimes tornado) of life, rushing from one task to another, never feeling like there is enough time in the day. Only to feel fully drained before the day even begins. It's easy to see others going through this, but the realization that we are can be a very hard pill to swallow. Possibly because it often tastes and feels like failure or inadequacy. Self-awareness is the first step to leaving that chaos behind, so you can take charge of your day and life. For me, I'm a pretty intuitive person so the realization of the chaos and the self-awareness of it all was there, but the ability to change it was not. I had thought acceptance and embracing it like a challenge was what I was supposed to do. Like I was earning and then wearing a badge of honor for surviving even the using the word thriving through it. As if earning that badge would make me the Best Mom, Most Amazing Wife, A Super Successful Business owner etc. But I was tired, overwhelmed, stressed, and ended up paying for it with my health, I was unwell. Those days had me frozen in time, and in a space I did not want to stay long in. I still remember the day I decided to quit accepting and take charge, I needed to make a change, and take my life back. After a lot of soul searching, web searching, and research I found mindfulness. The practice of being present in the moment you are in, no judgement, no expectation, just awareness and observation. Becoming aware of how I was feeling and where I was without tying anything else to it changed me. My pain turned from frustration and misery to the awareness that I was still here, a signal even if it was loud, that my body was speaking and that I should listen. That changed my perception and the impact it had on my overall well-being was profound.
Now, the first thing I do is take a few minutes to be present and observe my body, what is it saying, how does it feel. Laying in silence, I focus on the air around me, then my breath, the temperature, and the sensation of oxygen spreading through my body. This simple act of slowing down and being present has brought a sense of calm and clarity that resonates throughout the day. Mindfulness doesn't have to be complicated, it can be whatever you need it to be.
The Power of Mindful Morning Routines
Integrating mindfulness into your morning routine can be a game-changer. Whether it's through meditation, journaling, stretching, or simply enjoying a mindful cup of coffee, these practices can center you, boost your mood, and enhance your productivity.
Benefits of Mindful Morning Rituals:
Clarity and Focus : By starting the day mindfully, you set a positive tone and clear mental clutter.
Reduced Stress : Mindfulness helps in reducing stress levels and promotes a sense of peace.
Self-Care : Prioritizing yourself in the morning sets the tone for prioritizing self-care throughout the day.
Crafting Your Mindful Morning Ritual
Here are a few suggestions to kickstart your mindful morning routine:
Meditate : Dedicate a few minutes to quiet reflection to center your mind.
Stretch : Wake up your body with gentle stretches to invigorate yourself.
Gratitude Journal : Spend a moment reflecting on what you're grateful for to cultivate positivity.
Nature Walk : Step outside to connect with nature and breathe in fresh air.
Healthy Breakfast : Nourish your body with a balanced breakfast to fuel your day.
Embracing a Mindful Lifestyle
Incorporating mindfulness in the morning is a stepping stone to living a more mindful life overall. It's a practice that teaches us to be present, appreciate the moment, and nurture our well-being.
As you embark on this journey of mindfulness, remember, it's not about perfection but progress. Allow yourself the grace to embrace each morning as a new opportunity to cultivate mindfulness and set a positive intention for the day ahead.
Tomorrow, try starting your morning by taking a pause, breathing deeply, and savoring the stillness. Embrace the magic of mindful morning rituals and watch how it transforms your days, one breath at a time.
Let mindfulness in your morning set your intention for a day full of joy and peace.
Remember, each day is a new day waiting for you to make it what it will be, it may not always be easy. But it is always worth it!
~Kelley
Mindfulness can help create a fulfilling and harmonious life. Start your mornings mindfully and witness the transformation unfold.
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