Mornings are a special time when we can either organize ourselves, harness our thoughts, and ease into the day, or just jump out of bed and get there on time. I am not one of those people who can pop up, scramble around, have their morning coffee, and rush to work. I have chosen the path of daily practices that allow me to focus and consciously unfold into the magic of my time ahead.
Five Keys
I have developed five keys to starting your day with energy and positivity before turning on phones and screens:
Try some conscious writing to connect to your well-being.
Try some gentle exercise or stretching to awaken your body.
Try to live in a quiet and screenless environment for the first 20–30 minutes.
Get outside and take a walk or a jog, breathe the fresh air.
Hydrate with water and nourish yourself with protein.
A few years back, I started a new set of morning rituals that evolved over time and set my day in a positive direction. These rituals ignite my spirit and last all day. I have studied with many different teachers and pulled their best practices into my early waking hours. This is what works for me. Hopefully, you’ll give yourself a gracious start and find out what works best for you.
Key 1: Conscious Writing
The first thing I do when my alarm goes off is sit up in bed and turn on the light. I grab my journal and begin to write ten “gratitudes” that harness my thoughts into what I am thankful for in this moment. At first, I just wrote down what came to mind, and then I learned about the “formula” for setting my intentions into the Universe. Gratitude is so magnificent.
Rhonda Byrne, author of “The Secret” and the wonderful book, Magic, teaches readers to use the power of gratitude to transform their lives. The book offers a 28-day guide to manifesting joy, health, wealth, and happiness by focusing on gratitude. The formula is “I am so grateful for _______ because _______. Write it down, say it out loud, then say “Thank you” three times. It sets it out there in the Universe.
If there is still room on the page, I write some affirmations. “I am loving.” “I am kind.” “I am generous,” and so on. It begins my day with thought, manifestation, and such joy that I am alive and ready to set out on my new adventures.
Key 2: Gentle Exercise
The next thing I do is my bed stretches. I designed 6 easy stretches to be done right there in bed to awaken my body to the flow I have created by writing and going within. My body warms up, shakes off the morning stiffness, and gets me going. (These stretches are available on my website, SharonSklarRolfing.com, and sign up on my mailing list. They will be sent to your email.)
Key 3: The Sound of Silence
By spending my first twenty to thirty minutes in silence, I ease into the new day with inner value and positivity. It’s a far cry from the blasting television or checking my phone. I get my dogs and cats going and have plenty of cuddle time!
Key 4: Get Moving
I complete my personal bathroom tasks, then I get dressed. I look forward to walking my dogs because I get moving and breathe in the early-morning air. I say my prayers as we walk. I love these early-morning walks because there are not many cars or people around. The air is fresh, and I totally wake up as I breathe deeply, invigorating my lungs and loosening my joints.
Motion is lotion. When I get moving, my body feels alive and ready for my busy day. That’s the point – energy begets energy. Who needs coffee?!
Key 5: Hydration and Sustenance
Checking my emails, feeding my animals, doing office tasks, and reviewing my client cards all happen before I eat my breakfast. When I start seeing clients, I am awake, alive, and ready to roll.
These morning rituals stay with me all day because they lay a foundation on which I greet the day and whatever comes my way. I urge you to tune in to yourself and tune out the noise by savoring those early morning moments. Become awake to yourself. Try it, you might like it!
Sharon Sklar is in her 45th year of private practice as a Certified Advanced Rolfer. She has been voted one of Natural Nutmeg’s 10BEST Bodyworkers for the last seven years and is very grateful for that confidence and support. Sharon works with direct manipulation of the soft tissue of the body and movement re-education over a ten-session series to help her clients feel freer, get more balanced, and reduce chronic pain. Great for athletes, children, and adults recovering from life’s stress, injuries, or trauma. Inquiries are encouraged! State Licensed. Call 860.561.4337 for more info or to schedule a consultation.
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