thing every morning when you wake up. Be thankful for only 1 thing. For the first few days, trust me, you will probably automatically come up with a list of at least 3 things. Been there, done that; it is intentional that I request you only limit yourself to 1 thing each morning.
This is part of a growing practice called Mindfulness. Having gone through it myself for years (2.5 years and counting...), it slows my mind down as I get ready for the day ahead and I feel energised to begin going about my morning routine. You can be sure you will reap the benefits of a clear head and better decision-making. However, do not for a second think that this practice is easy. Much like how most people feel that meditation is easy and is much too slow for their liking, Mindfulness is a state of heightening one's senses to be aware of every sensation in one's body, from the in-out breath to the expansion and contraction of the abdomen.
Are you one of those skeptical ones who claim you must milk "every minute you can get" in a day and therefore mindfulness is not for you? Well, to each his own, but I do wish you would at least give it a shot for 1 week. Just a week's conscious practice of being aware of your body when you start each day (it is important to do so the moment you are awake, don't even brush your teeth first!) and observe the changes in your mental state, as well as physical condition.
Tips for a purposeful 1-Minute of Mindfulness (recommended at the start of every morning but not limited to only this time of day, of course)
If you sleep in total darkness, it is advisable to open the blinds/curtains to let in a bit of natural light.
Have the 1 thing you are thankful for in your mind. Alternatively, you can choose to verbalise it.
This next part is the most important step and requires a teeny bit of multi-tasking.
Pay close attention to your breath as you inhale and exhale, noticing the duration (start with 5-seconds, then 6, 7, 8...) of each breath. Repeat the cycle of in-out breath 3 times.
Whilst you are breathing in and out, consciously count the seconds of each in- and out- breath, but keep the 1 thing you are thankful for in your sub-conscious mind.
End the practice naturally by once more repeating the 1 thing you are thankful for.
Do not use a timer or stopwatch to "wake you" out of the mindfulness minute.
Overall, Mindfulness has helped me to develop my subconscious mind, way beyond what I had initially practised it for (we'll get into that another time.) Whilst it helped me multi-task better in my client-facing job, it also strengthened my resolve to push through difficult tasks which seemed above my paygrade. The deliberate effort made to quieten the mind and focus on just 1 thing made me less irritable and more giving. If you are curious to find out more, do stay tuned for daily entries on this site.
The time you invest in your health will also be the time you are given to lead a meaningful life on this planet. If you decide to take up this challenge, drop me a message or leave a comment on our Instagram page! We are always keen to find out how you are doing in your Mindfulness journey.
"If you don't dedicate something to your health every day, you will have to sacrifice a lot to illness one day." - Sebastian Kneipp, German priest and hydrotherapist
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