I must admit that unless I take the time to put myself first on my ever-growing laundry list of things to do, I am in danger of burning out. Most of us are just too busy nowadays: holding down a multitude of jobs, taking care of kids, parents, dogs, and even needy strangers – our work is NEVER done! Can you remember when you last took some time out for YOU – time to nurture and nourish your mind, body and spirit? I know…it’s tough because most of us put everyone else first. But, honestly, unless I occasionally put myself first, I’m no good to anyone because I wind up tired and cranky.
This is the reason why I created a morning “Me Time” ritual as part of the 30-day Gorgeous For Good program. This time is non-negotiable for me. I do it when my family are still in bed because I have to ensure that I will be able to get some quiet time – I need silence and I need to get still. The only way I can truly connect with spirit/the Divine/God (call it what you will), is when I get still enough to be able to listen.
Listening begins with moving my body. I start off my ritual with a few easy yoga poses. This mini-practice takes me out of my mind and into my body, where I can actually feel the areas of tension, pain, or blocked energy. By simply being aware of my body, I can breathe into the areas that need attention and care.
I then sit down on a small meditation cushion, close my eyes and practice some simple yoga breathing exercises. I outline these exercises in great detail in my book, and if you don’t have my book, you can always hop onto You Tube and search for “yoga breathing exercises”.
Breathing is the key to meditation, which is simply awareness. As I watch my breathe, my thoughts slow down – sometimes they fight with me and won’t leave me alone, but at other times I become aware of a tiny space between my thoughts – it’s only a fleeting moment of non-thought – but that space is so darn precious because it’s a golden moment where my chattering mind momentarily ceases. And when that monkey-mind stops, I occasionally get a flash of inspiration, wisdom or truth – this comes from a place deep within, and is always right. It’s the guidance that will help me to make the wisest choices during that day – when I listen to that voice, I am ALWAYS guided to the right place, and I feel 100% safe and loved.
If I don’t give myself this mini morning ritual, the day will easily fly by and I will fall into bed totally exhausted and realize that I didn’t give myself one single moment to connect with the most important thing in my life: that still, small voice within.
So, if you haven’t already, tomorrow morning – roll out your yoga mat, find a firm cushion, and create a little “Me Time” ritual. Putting yourself first on your daily to-do list will reap great rewards (at least that’s my experience).
