This morning I was appreciating Nature’s beauty – feeling the temperature of the air, noticing the quality of light, the winter fruits that are starting to ripen, the leaves that are changing their color. There is so much beauty surrounding us.
At the same time there is so much noise and confusion in the world right now. All of the base human qualities are coming to the surface. People have forgotten how to be good human beings.
In the U.S. right now the presidential election is on everyone’s mind. When you look at it, there is about the same number of people supporting each of the candidates. Whatever our preference may be, can we acknowledge that there are some good ideas and qualities on the other side too?
Amidst everything that is happening, if we could all just stop, take a step back, take a deep breath, and question what is the purpose of all the ugliness? There has to be a better way.
We all have our own ideas of the way things should be. But there is so much that is out of our control and things that we see as “bad” are happening all the time. What is in our control is how we handle the challenges that come.
The first thing that’s within our control is taking care of ourselves. If our health is not good everything else becomes meaningless. No matter what is going on out there, please do not lose sight of your own health.
The weather is perfect right now. After the busyness of the summer months, now maybe there is more time to pay attention to self-care.
In the yogic tradition, a healthy morning routine is the foundation of a successful life. A healthy routine is something that everyone can do – we just get lazy and fall back into habits that don’t really serve us. To succumb to laziness or bad habits is the unkindest thing we can do to ourselves.
Early morning is the time to really build up your energy. I recommend starting the day with three deep breaths. Before jumping to look at the phone or check the news, take a moment to acknowledge that most precious gift of this life – our breath.
What is the first thing we take into our body in the morning? I recommend a nice big glass of warm water. After that, what about some gentle stretching or yoga or going out for a walk? When we dedicate our mornings to our good health, we are ready to handle whatever the day may bring.
Find a reason to laugh and to smile. Bring lightness to your heart. No matter what’s going on, find a way to detach yourself from it all. Look at a beautiful flower or tree. Once your mind goes into the appreciation of beauty, your heart becomes light.
Take advantage of this month of November, and find some time to fine tune those old habits. Find some time for a morning walk, even a short one. Find a reason to laugh. Find a reason to smile. Find some appreciation.
Change is coming – look forward to it instead of fearing it. All of this commotion is going to subside and there will be a new beginning. So let’s get ready for the new beginning in our own hearts and minds. We start with ourselves. Not out there. First we start here, and once we start here, it will affect the change out there.