A proactive start

“Each night, when I go to sleep, I die. And the next morning, when I wake up, I am reborn.” Mahatma Gandhi

While sleep is an amazing source of renewal, recovery and repair, we can often go to sleep and carry with us too much to process, too much to unwind and possibly too much to repair in the time allotted to sleep.

Do you wake up feeling refreshed, renewed and invigorated? Many of us wake up feeling fragmented, out of sync or disconnected. Even if we have a good nights sleep we can wake up feeling fragmented and out of sorts.

If you are mindful of your mind, body (one thing) and breathing you may notice that you don’t wake up in an optimal state. For many breathing feels restricted and stuck and diminished after sleeping rather than relaxed and free.

The morning is a fantastic time to connect with your authentic self and start your journey anew in a “peak” state or more integrated state.

If you wake up with a disconnected feeling, stuck or fragmented breathing, body and therefore mind it is hard to pull yourself back on course. If you bombard your mind with external stimulus, news and social media before you have gathered your thoughts and connected to self, then there is little chance of you getting back on track. Either we are proactive and shape our future and reality or we are reactive and others will shape our thoughts, opinions  and thus actions for us (it’s always our choice both ways). A proactive start to the day will lead to a more productive and proactive day. If you don’t believe me try it for yourself. Explore  and choose what is right for you.

If you read the previous post, remember rock bottom is a great place to start a journey.

Step 1. On waking say a prayer or think a thought or two of gratitude. That action will help center you.

Step 2. Focus on your breathing and mental state. Where does your breath go? Is it tight and unrestricted or is it free and clear. Lie on your back, bend your knees and take the pillow out from behind your head. Spend a minute taking deep  breaths in and out, pause and hold for a moment on the out.

Step 3. Set a general intention for the day.

My intention today was to smile more when I work, what was yours?