Developing a Morning Practice

Image Christopher Campbell

Developing a Morning Practice

I am sensitive and I have the good fortune to work with many sensitive people in my practice. As with all gifts, there are liabilities of which sensitive people need to be aware. Sensitive people are more prone to compassion fatigue and can greatly benefit from a morning ritual during fair weather and foul. A morning practice is one of the best safeguards against compassion fatigue. A morning practice also helps sensitive people with the transition from dreaming/sleeping to doing/waking/interacting. Ever wonder why you have anxiety in the morning, trouble getting started or getting oriented? You are probably sensitive and a morning practice may be of great benefit. A morning practice/ritual can consist of anything you like. The key is consistency and recommitting when we inevitably lose consistency. My morning ritual in its barest bones is as follows:

• 5 sun salutations

• Saying the LBRP (a special prayer to me - for grounding, protection and connecting with resources)

• Writing in my Alchemical journal: drawing a tarot card, recording the day, the position of the sun and the moon found here and recording my dreams and intentions for the day

• Enjoying the delicious coffee my husband made for me - So helpful!

This entire practice takes 15 - 20 minutes. I often do a 20 minute walk and 15 minutes of meditation in addition which extends the morning practice to about an hour. I always encourage people to start small and build up their morning practice, adding and subtracting elements as needed. Even 5 minutes of morning practice can calibrate your entire day towards well being. Working from home may be an opportunity to develop or enhance your morning practice and reap the benefits.

Tell me about your morning practice!