It’s the beginning of spring (if you’re with us in the northern hemisphere) which means longer days and brighter mornings. If you’ve felt a bit stagnant over the winter months, this is an excellent time to harness the energy of the season and establish (or re-establish) an early morning routine.
Making daily meditation a part of your morning ritual sets you up for your entire day. Tim Ferris, author, entrepreneur, and advocate of the benefits of a morning routine that includes meditation says:
“Meditation is about decreasing emotional reactivity so you can proactively create your day and create your life; versus, just being a walking reflex that sometimes screws up.”
Meditation first thing in the morning allows you to “clear out”, in a sense, anything weighing on you from the day before, so that you can start the day anew. It relaxes and balances both body and mind puts you in the driver's seat, rather than mindlessly or reactively moving about your day.
Morning meditation can be a challenge, but you will feel the lasting benefits throughout your entire day. Here are a few simple ways to establish a morning routine:
1. Limit your phone and computer use after a certain time at night
Schedule a “Do Not Disturb” time on your phone after a certain time in the evening, so that you have a few hours to wind down before bed.
2. No snoozing, wake up as soon as you hear your alarm
Place your alarm clock out of reach so that you have to leave bed to turn it off. As we say in our Learn to Meditate program - start small. Turn your alarm off and then immediately sit for your meditation. Start with one minute. Celebrate that win.
3. Set the space for your meditation the night before
Make it inviting. Set up your meditation space before you go to bed. It can be as simple as a comfortable cushion or chair in the corner of your room. Tidy the space around it so it’s free of clutter and distraction.
4. Reward yourself
How can you reward yourself for waking up earlier? Maybe you make yourself a delicious coffee following your meditation or have a few minutes to sit out in the sunshine before you begin work. Choose something that brings you joy, that you can look forward to each morning.
5. Notice how you feel
Throughout your day, notice how you feel. When you become aware of the felt benefit of your new routine, it becomes easier to keep it going.
- Hailey O’Hara
Lead Meditation Instructor