What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? Do you reach for your phone? I’ve been there too. I used to spend the first hour of each day checking emails and scrolling through social media. Until I realized that this habit of spending time in other people’s energy left me feeling scattered, anxious and unmoored. The morning sets the tone for the rest of the day. As Benjamin Franklin asserted, “The early morning has gold in its mouth.” Why not take advantage of this window of time, considered by yogis to be spiritually elevated? Once I realized that my mornings were not aligned with my truth I experienced a major breakthrough. Now that I have radically reinvented my morning routine I am able to reconnect with my purpose and mission on a daily basis, my productivity has skyrocketed and I have created a supportive foundation for a positive day. Let me share with you my morning routine as a reiki master, a guaranteed way to start your day feeling serene and centered.
1. Savor a hot beverage– I look forward to this hygge treat every morning! These days I usually opt for nourishing nettle tea or a creamy oatmilk [decaf] latte. Instead of drinking and multitasking, choose to be in the moment. Notice the warmth of the mug in your hands. Savor the taste of the tea or coffee on your tongue. Fully enjoy the simple pleasure of this morning ritual.
2. Self reiki session– Self reiki enables me to begin the day as a clear energetic vessel. It cleanses my chakras and connects me with Source energy. By starting my day with self reiki I am emotionally and physically balanced; well-equipped to hold space for others’ healing. While some believe you must undergo an attunement first, I believe that everyone has the capacity to perform reiki! After all, you are essentially tapping into the universal life force energy or qi that is all around us. Before I became a practitioner I used this video as a reference for the different hand positions. Try it and see how you feel <3
3. Exercise– These days I choose to tailor my workouts based on the phase and sign of the moon thanks to Claire Gallagher’s innovative work. This is really no different from the way farmers use the moon as a guide for planting and harvesting. By using astrology as a blueprint for my fitness practice I am able to harness the energetic landscape of the moment and use it to my advantage. For example, moon in Leo is ideal for cardio whereas Taurus is great for weightlifting. Also, when the moon is waxing or full we have more fuel in our tanks so to speak whereas during the waning or dark moon our bodies may need more rest. If you’re interested in this concept I recommend this podcast. While we are spiritual beings I make sure to honor my physical body by moving regularly. Exercise is a natural mood-lifter and increases my energy exponentially.
4. Meditate– I find that my mind is most quiet and receptive after exercise which makes meditation far easier. I meditate each morning for 10-30 minutes on this pillow, and frequently listen to soothing music like this in the background. The aim of meditation is to clear the mind, but I also receive intuitive guidance at this time. It is akin to tuning into the right frequency on the radio. Once you develop a regular meditation practice you may be surprised to discover that it is a transcendental experience. If you are new to meditation I recommend starting slow. Try practicing for 5 minutes each day and gradually increase the duration as you feel able. I like to start each morning with meditation because it makes me feel grounded and at peace.
5. Tarot- Tarot is a fun and magical tool to connect with your intuition. Each day I like to check in and ask Spirit what messages they have for me. If I have more specific questions regarding my work, personal growth, finances, etc I will use this time to gain clarification. At times I will pull a card for the collective to see how I may best show up for others. Often the answers to these questions already lie within, but tarot has the ability to draw them out. I view tarot as a physical manifestation of our subconscious landscape.
6. Journal– After tarot I do my daily lunar journaling, check my astrological transits and then write the morning pages– three sheets of stream of consciousness writing filled with hopes, fears and reflections. It runs the gambit from the mystical to the mundane and the liminal space between. This practice grants me space to pour out the contents of my head onto paper so I can drop into my heart. Ever since I started journaling regularly I have yet to experience a creative rut. If you’re looking for scientific support, studies show that journaling improves well-being, regardless of the content.
Does your morning routine support the life that you are trying to create?
What small changes can you make to start your day in a more intentional way that is aligned with your truth?
