Each morning, I wake up and think about what I’m grateful for. I have a little stretch in bed, get up and wash my face. Before I can talk myself out of it, I try to do my morning sun salutations to wake up my body and my mind.
For those of you who have never done yoga, I can’t possibly explain all the benefits of a yoga practise. Not only does it give your body amazing strength and flexibility, but it also helps to centre your mind and be present, in the moment. It’s time to put your thoughts and worries aside and focus on your breath and your body for a little while. I like to do my yoga before my children wake up – that magic time before my parenting role kicks in.
As someone who struggles with lower back issues, waking my spine up with some gentle stretches really prepares me physically for the day. I try to focus on each asana, working fully into the poses to get the most benefit from them. My core is strengthened and my body is happy with me. If I’ve got enough time or energy, I do some variations – add in a Warrior pose and some triangles. Cats and Cows are a regular go-to to help me with lower back pain. Some spinal twists and a boat complete it for me.
I have some old yoga DVDs gathering dust in my living room, but these days you can access so many online videos and teachers. If you’ve never practised yoga before, I do suggest that you join a class before you follow online videos, though. I’ve watched my teenage daughter take up a morning yoga practise with an online teacher, and the teacher in me wants to step in to correct her posture and help her get the asanas right. But I’m not a yoga teacher!
When my body is sufficiently warmed up, I sit on my beautiful meditation stool, gifted by a wonderful woman named Manti, which whom I did my coaching course. These are made in an empowerment project called Inkulu Makers, which you can access on Facebook by clicking the link. I spend a few minutes focussing on my breathing, sending love out to the world, setting intentions for the day and stating my affirmations. I finish off with three long, loud Oms, to connect me to the universe.
Now, this might all sound a little “hey shoo” to some of you, but I find that if I start my day this way, I’m much more inclined to be centred, grounded, calm, focussed and organised as I step into my day. I’m less inclined to lose my cool in the traffic or to feel impatient with my colleagues. I have more tolerance for my 13-year-old’s endless stories about what her favourite YouTuber said and I’m more inclined to listen better, to make healthy choices and to be more compassionate.
I’d love to hear from you what your morning ritual looks like. Are you frightened awake at the sound of your alarm clock, and rush through the morning on auto-pilot? Do you take time to meditate and plan your day? How are your morning routines changing during lockdown? Please leave a comment below to let me know what you’re doing to keep sane.
Have a beautiful day.
Lisa