rest to rise

The first few minutes when you wake are your foundation for the rest of the day.

But not to worry this isn’t going to be a long list of fad morning routines.

I love making elaborate color-coded lists with fancy ball point pens-anything that gives me the illusion that I’m getting my life together. I have tried nearly every morning routine promised to be the next best thing on the internet. So I used to wake up and tackle my long list of morning routine tasks.

The second my alarm went off, I suppressed any anxiety and hit the ground running. “Chug a lemon water, rush through an abs video, meditate (I sat there the whole time anxious about fitting in the next item on my morning routine list), take your supplements” the list went on and on. Next thing I knew, I was rushing out the door to work, leaving 10 minutes later than I wanted to. Even though I had completed my “morning routine” goals, I didn’t feel ready for the day. I felt frazzled and out of touch with myself.

But I just started to take the time to relax and open up to what I intuitively know I need in the moment.

After many failed attempts at perfecting my morning routine, I realized I need to simply tune into myself instead of hit the ground running.

A simple morning flow:

When your alarm goes off, keep your eyes closed. Reflect on your dreams. Be open to how your body is feeling, open to the sounds you hear and open to your emotions. This is a time for reflection. If you feel anxiety or fear, feel it fully. Don’t suppress it. Just gently observe.

Subtly think of what you’re are thankful for. Don’t scurry for a pen and make your list. Just lay there and reflect. As simple as waking up in warm sheets or the fresh tea with lemon you are about to have. Or maybe the breakfast sandwich you’re going to pick up on the way to work.

When you are submersed in this blissful feeling, move your body with a gentle stretch in bed. You don’t need to spring out of bed and do a workout DVD with burpees and planks. Listen to your body. Just relax into stretches that feel good for you.

Sit upright in bed and meditate for a bit. If meditation isn’t for you, visualize your ideal day.

Give yourself space. Gently listen to your heart and body. Then get up and approach your day with an inner-knowing that you can accomplish anything because you have the control.