The Importance of Morning Ritual

If you did a practice every morning that made you feel centered, joyful, and eager to take on action that is important to you, would it create a bigger impact on your day? You bet it would! That is why I am a huge advocate of creating a morning ritual that puts me and my clients a great state. It brings up resistance for some, as you can imagine. Some of the things I’ve heard include, “I don’t have time.” “I don’t want to get up any earlier.” “I need to check email first thing in the morning.” Here’s what Amanda Griffith, one of the ladies participating in the Feminine Spirituality and Leadership Program has to say about her resistance.

“To say I am not a big fan of routine is putting it lightly. Doing the same thing the same way every time - that's for boring people, right? I wrestle with this dichotomy as I build my morning routine. Can I create real space in my mornings for Spirit? Can I trust that the space will soon be filled with joy and pleasure? Today, will I choose the familiar comfort of my silky flat pillow or the unknown mystery of what might happen if I go to meet my Body and Spirit out in the field where only they know the rules, where I must simply follow along? I am tickled and challenged and inspired by the idea of a “routine” where I have no idea what will happen....!”

For a powerful morning ritual, I recommend it include 3 things.
1. Gratitude and seeing your best day (Mind)
Make a list in your mind or on paper of what and who you are most grateful for and feel the love and joy fill your body. When you are in a grateful state, see in your mind eye what your best day could look like and be open to it being even better than you could imagine.

2. Movement (Body)
Do at least 20 minutes of exercise that gets your heart rate up and has you break into a sweat. This is not time for a stroll. Get those endorphins activated!

3. Meditation or time with God or Spirit. (Spirit)
In this time you are not planning your to-do list in your mind, or setting your intentions for the day. This is time to be quiet and let the mind rest into the present moment. In that present moment, be with God in any way that feels good to you.

You can include these three things anyway you want and the length of your ritual can be any length. Mine usually takes 1 – 1 ½ hours, and I wouldn’t give it up for the world.

How about trying it for just 14 days and see how you feel at the end of it? Then decide whether it will really make a difference in your life and emotional well-being. Let me know if any resistance comes up.