Getting Started…
In this article, I will offer you some easy tips to set-up your morning spiritual practice. And good news, you don’t need a long time to get the results you’re aiming for.
A spiritual practice has changed my life. Most of the time, I’m able to deal with everyday life situations in a responsive and mindful way instead of reacting. I’m not depressed anymore. My body feels great and I feel happy and content. I feel like my life has direction and purpose.
You will find that most successful people have a daily spiritual routine. Hal Elrod, author of the Miracle Morning says:
How you feel within the first hour of your morning has a powerful effect on the rest of your day
What you will need…
- Choose your practice
- Set an intention for your practice eg: What I focus on expands in life
- Set a regular time every day. Morning is best. Other times are ok, just make sure the time is ‘do-able’
- Wear comfortable clothing
- Yoga mat
- Cushion
- Blanket
- Alarm (optional)
- Candle (optional)
- Your yoga / prayer / meditation practice
- Journal for reflective writing and drawing – your deepest insights can come through at this time
- A willing and open mind
Setting up your Space…
- Choose and set up a sacred space for yourself
- Create an alter eg: any personal items that remind you of your Infinite Self
- Set your phone on ‘don’t disturb’
- Make the room temperature comfortable
Motivation for getting out of bed in the morning…
For most of us, our motivation for getting out of bed in the morning can be low. Let’s increase your motivation for waking up. The following tips have really helped me and have made a big difference in the morning.
Set a positive affirmation before going to bed…
This is very important. Often our beliefs and self-talk about waking up in the morning will predict the quality of our motivation in the morning, e.g. ”Oh, I’m going to bed late, I only have 5 hours sleep and I’ll be so tired in the morning”. This sort of self-talk will make you tired and un-motivated the next day.
Often the last thing we think of before going to sleep sets the tone for the next morning. Your life will change when you wake up with the same enthusiasm of like your getting on an early flight to go on holiday.
Examples of bedtimes affirmations:
- I value my morning practice because it makes me feel_____________.
- I’m so excited to wake up in the morning because I know how I start each day determines the rest of my life. I accept the best for myself
- I’m not concerned by the false idea that 4-6 hours’ sleep isn’t enough to live a fully inspired day. My positive mindset is in charge, and it determines the quality of my day.
- I’m not concerned by the false idea that 4-6 hours’ sleep isn’t enough to live a fully inspired day. My positive mindset is in charge, and it determines the quality of my day.
Waking up in the morning…
- Set an alarm sound or song (not a buzzer) to wake you up feeling happy and joyful
- “Snooze” is not an option. Get up straight away after your alarm has gone off
- Move your alarm to the other side of the room so you must get up to turn it off
- Consider your intention and how a morning spiritual practice will support you in your life
Get yourself ready…
- Brush your teeth
- Drink water
- Splash water on your face or have a shower
- Change out of your bed clothes. Getting changed into comfy clothes can make a difference to how motivated you feel.
