The first thing I do when I wake up in the morning is appreciate the sunlight. I leave my bedroom curtains open at night in hopes that the rising sun will assist me with the transition into my waking life. I’ll lay there for a while to see if I can remember my dreams and I’ll pull out my phone to search for possible meanings for the dream.I’m a big believer in morning therapeutic rituals because if you can take care of yourself first then you can feel empowered to offer the world more.
If I’m talking to someone special, I’ll text them to wish them a good day or express gratitude if they beat me to the morning greeting. Then I’ll check instagram or my bank account if I know it is going to be a pay day. It gives me a psychological boost when I know I’m waking up to deposits in my bank account or comments on the last social media post that I shared.
Then I’ll peel the covers and cats off of me, I have two cats that like the absorb the warmth from by body temperature while I’m still. I pet them to assure them that they are loved. And then I go to the bathroom. I’ll brush my teeth while I’m walking through my house with a water pitcher, watering plants, refreshing the water on my altar and the water in the cat’s bowls as one of my cats follows me through my home up to the front window, where I open the curtains. Then I’ll walk back to the bathroom to finish getting washed up.
Next I like to drink cold water with lemon or juice to wake up my insides and take my vitamins. I enjoy lighting incense and a candle and sitting at my altar to pray, then meditate for 15 to 20 minutes. Finally, I’ll say thanks and stretch, usually practicing 6 sun salutations. Sometimes I’ll do a few pushups and pull ups. I’m usually very hungry at this point, I’ll have leftovers from my fridge or I’ll make a smoothie, or more juice, or coffee and listen to a podcast or the news or an audiobook as I eat and then shower and dress. In total, my morning routine takes an average of three hours and it’s the most important time for self care that leads into a productive day. If I have to leave the house I’ll boil some water for herbal tea and pour into a to-go container while I respond to emails, pack my bag and put on my coat.
These therapeutic rituals help me to clear my mind and be more focused. I encourage everyone to consciously take charge of the first moments of your day and consider if your actions are helping you reach your goals or if they could be better spent in ways that will take care of your body, mind, spirit, health, relationships and to help you give more and practice gratitude. Your therapeutic rituals will change the way you flow through life and the ways others perceive your spirit as well.
