Finding ways to incorporate a morning ritual routine can bring so much peace and inner calm to your everyday life. I hear a lot of people saying that they don’t have time to do anything in the morning, and believe me, I used to be one of them! I didn’t have time to do anything because I didn’t make time. I now understand that if it’s important to you then you will make time. So what is it that you don’t seem to find time to do? Meditating? Playing a musical instrument? Exercising? Reading? Why not carve out the time and just start, even if it’s for 10 minutes in the morning it’s better than never. Just 10 minutes a day adds up to over 60 hours a year! The time is going to pass anyway so why not spend time doing what you love. We owe it to ourselves to take time for self-love and self-care, whatever that may be for you. So set your alarm for just 10 minutes earlier and do something for yourself during that time, whatever brings you joy! A small amount of time dedicated to you can make a world of difference in your day.
I used to loathe mornings, all I wanted to do was sleep just a little bit longer, snooze just a few more times, not get up and have to rush to work. You could say I was not a “morning person” in the least! I used to be more like a morning grouch, not wanting to speak or do anything but ho-hum around and go back to bed. Things have definitely shifted for me over the past few years though!
I have my husband to thank on allowing this shift to happen because he is the one who has always encouraged me to start waking up earlier and making it a habit. He has always been an early riser and wakes up at least one hour before having to get ready to head off to work, this is time he takes for himself to do whatever he wants.
They say that it takes 21 days for something to become a habit, so figure out what it is you’d like to incorporate into your morning routine and start now! Even the smallest slightest change can set a good foundation to a better day.
Nowadays I look forward to the mornings, it has actually become my favorite time of the day! I absolutely love waking up early in the morning! Maybe it’s because I have a young child or maybe it’s because I realize now the value that each morning brings. It’s been an evolving process of rituals due to my ongoing spiritual practice, being more mindful and intentional with my time and prioritizing what’s really important in my life. Whatever the reason I just know that it’s a special time of the day for me that I look forward to and am grateful for. I love hearing the birds chirping and seeing the dew on the grass and watching the sky change colors as the sun shows its face. I love the quiet solitude of the morning and have found that it centers and balances me.
I think a big part of my enjoyment in the mornings comes from my daily rituals. As I stated before my morning routine used to consist of hitting the snooze button as many times as humanly possibly to squeeze in every last second in bed. Then I would jump out of bed, scurry to the bathroom and begin the whole grooming and getting dressed routine. Slapping on my makeup, grabbing a cup of coffee and rushing out the door was the norm. Seriously that was it, and I did it without a second to spare. It was all done in a hazy rush like the Tasmanian devil.
Now my mornings look a whole lot different. They are all about self-love, self-care, and my spiritual rituals. I wake up much earlier than I used to, I usually give myself 30-45 minutes of me time, that means waking up at about 5:45am. But before I even step out of bed I say my prayers and give thanks for everything I’ve been blessed with and I send out love and light to all. I have a dream journal so I typically recall my dreams easily from the night and jot them down. There’s much to be learned from our dreams as far as the symbology and messages that are conveyed so I like to reflect on them and look deeper into their meanings. I’ve been recording my dreams for as long as I can remember and have books and books filled out with them from throughout the years.
I then head straight to the kitchen and nourish my body with a glass of warm lemon water to detoxify and hydrate my body. Drinking warm lemon water first thing in the morning has a multitude of health benefits including boosting your immune system and aiding in digestion. Then it’s time for my meditation, I go to my altar and usually will light incense or use essential oils to get me grounded as I slip into my zen. I do a quick 10 minute meditation in the mornings and save longer sessions for evenings. I’ve noticed that when I skip this step my day does not seem to go as smoothly as when I do, I’m able to remain more calm, collected, and mindful throughout the day when I meditate in the morning. You can read more about my meditation rituals here along with ideas on how to start your own meditation practice.
I then consult my cards, meaning I do a daily oracle card drawing from an inspirational deck of divination cards. This is done by simply shuffling and drawing one card to give me insight to the day ahead. These are always such positive affirmations that I can hold onto mentally as a reminder throughout the day. There are all kinds of oracle decks out there, with different themes and designs to suit just about everyone. I love colorful bright artwork so I usually use a deck with a lot of vivid imagery.
I also do a daily drawing from my Goddess Oracle Guidance cards. I always ask which Goddess I should embody each day. These cards not only give good personal guidance but I also learn about the different Goddesses and use their powerful wise messages to help me reach my full potential for the day. Sometimes I might draw from an angel deck which helps me call upon a certain angel to help with a situation or just to guide me throughout my day. If time allows I may also consult my regular tarot deck if I want some further guidance about anything going on or if I just want a daily message.
After consulting my cards I do a bit of light yoga to get my body moving and wake it up, sometimes it’s 5 minutes, sometimes it’s 15.
While I am getting dressed and putting on my makeup I have a slew of affirmations all around my vanity which I read and repeat every single day, at least 20 of my favorites are posted all around. I have all of them memorized due to repetition but I make sure to look at each one and repeat it. I also have a vision board that hangs above my vanity and it has all kinds of cut outs from magazines of wishes and desires that I am working on manifesting. The power of the law of attraction is truly amazing!
I then will say a blessing and prayer over my daughter who is usually still sleeping and give her kisses. I always find my doggies to love on them as well. If my husband is still home we always show each other some love, and we wish each other to have a beautiful day.
Before I head out the door I make a cup of magically enchanting herbal decaffeinated tea. I used to be a big coffee drinker but I cut caffeine out of my diet over 5 years ago and I actually feel much better not having any stimulants in my system because I am extremely sensitive to them. I also make a quick vegan breakfast to nourish my body. Breakfast used to be something I’d skip back in the day when I was too rushed to eat breakfast and didn’t realize the importance of it.
Once I open the door to the outside world I always greet the moon and sun and skies above and give thanks to Mother Earth for her beauty she bestows upon us. The sunrises can be pretty outstanding here in Oklahoma with an array of reds, oranges, and pinks highlighting the sky.
If I’m not headed to work and have more time to leisurely get around I spend time outside on our deck soaking in the days energy and connecting with nature. I feel like Snow White because we have all kinds of animals that visit and live on our land!
There you have it in a nutshell. It sounds like a lot but I’d have it no other way. I’m a creature of habit and once I started incorporating all of my little rituals it has made my mornings so peaceful. Morning rituals are so important to me in establishing a sense of purpose for the day and keeps me grounded. It sets the tone for my whole day. As I continue to evolve I’m sure my morning rituals will evolve as well. The little things add up and contribute to my overall well-being. I create magic everyday that I wake up.
