The Morning Habit, Part 1

Every day, the alarm goes off at 6:30am. Sometimes I am already awake with a headful of hamster wheels. I drink some water, use the bathroom, and go to my special spot. I do a guided meditation for 10 minutes. I do a guided yoga class for 10 - 30 minutes. Now I’m ready.

Early morning is the only time I know I’ll be able to do something consistently every day. No one else in my house is awake yet. The phone isn’t ringing. For a large part of the year it’s still dark outside and my special spot is in the dark basement. The world (as I perceive it) is quiet and I can be alone with my self and my thoughts.

I sometimes falter, and sometimes I just go through the motions, but I’ve been practicing this routine for the better part of a year. When I do it purposefully the rest of my day often just seems to flow more easily. I’m more on the ball. I’m more relaxed and centered. I feel good. Everyone around me benefits.

Your morning habit might be very different than mine — you might not even think of yourself as having one — but whatever it is I hope it sets you up to have an intentionally good day.