Mindful Morning Practices to Establish Your Day
Have you considered that what you think in the morning has a huge impact on how your day goes? Studies suggest that the average person has about 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day and of those thoughts, 80% are negative! I share this not to stress you out because believe it or not negative thoughts are a part of our human nature. With that being said we turn to the word of God for guidance. In the bible are reminded to take every thought captive and make it obedient to Christ. God also, reminds us to think on those things that are honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, excellent, worthy of praise!
You may say that’s all well and good but how can I establish my morning with so many thoughts? What if I have negative thoughts and I don’t want them? What do I do?
No worries, the practices below will help you to establish your mind for the day ahead.
GRATITUDE. Starting your day with thanksgiving and gratitude are wonderful ways to honor God and to be mindful of your many blessings. These practices also aid in establishing a healthy perspective on who is ultimately in control.
ESTABLISH TRUTH. Check-in with yourself and ask, “What do you truly believe?” The word of God is the light of truth. Establish that truth at the beginning of your day in preparation for the challenges ahead. How? By reading a small passage of scripture in the bible first thing in the morning. The word of God is powerful transforming the mind and the heart. Reading God’s word reminds us of who and who’s we are. The word reinforces what it means to have the mind of Christ. So, we hide the word in our hearts trusting that throughout the day the Holy Spirit will remind us when the enemy would have us to forget.
AFFIRM YOURSELF. Repeat biblical affirmations at the start of your day as a way to reaffirm your faith and trust in God’s will for your life throughout the day.
PRACTICE STILLNESS AND SILENCE. As you pause let the words of truth saturate your mind as you settle into stillness in your mind and your body. Now, give space for the Holy Spirit to intercede on your behalf as you attune your ears to the still small voice that speaks throughout the day.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT. Not only is movement great for your physical body but it has positive benefits for your mind as well. Research shows that exercise may stimulate the production of brain chemicals like norepinephrine and dopamine, which energizes and elevates our mood. Mindful movements like modern yoga, Pilates, targeted stretching, etc. which focus on the physical postures that can help you to stay connected mind, body, and spirit when outside influences would leave you disconnected. Deep yoga stretches combined with rhythmic breathing can help settle your mind when your thoughts seem all over the place. Consider establishing a daily movement practice even if you only have 10 minutes in the morning. Click here to learn how to start a daily morning yoga in just 10 minutes a day!
