Morning Reset: Crafting Your Pre-Morning Routine

“Do your practice and all is coming.” K. P. Jois

Introduction:

For centuries the morning (or pre-morning) time is a precious window of opportunity to set the tone for the day ahead. The importance of creating a morning routine lies in its power to shape your “being” that will have a direct effect on your mindset, productivity, and overall well-being.

Why the Morning Matters:

Mornings provide a serene canvas, untouched by the chaos of the day. It's your sanctuary, a time when the world is still waking up, and you have the opportunity to align yourself with your goals and values. The morning is a blank slate for you to paint your aspirations and intentions.

Choosing the Right Time for Your 'Pre-Morning' Routine

There's no universal answer to the perfect time for your 'pre-morning' routine; it depends on when your personal 'morning' starts. Traditionally, in India, it was about an hour before dawn. In our lives, the key is to pick a time of stillness where we can permit ourselves to 'be' without the constant need for 'doing.' Whether it's before sunrise, in the early morning glow, or even before your first-morning meeting, find the time that aligns with your rhythm. This intentional pause fosters a connection with your inner self, setting a harmonious tone for the day ahead.

Overcoming the "No Time" Barrier: Prioritizing Your Wellbeing Over Extra Sleep

The common refrain of "I do not have time" often springs from the belief that an additional hour of sleep holds more value than dedicating time to a morning routine. However, challenging this assumption can lead to a powerful shift in perspective. Numerous studies suggest that investing this time in intentional morning practices can significantly enhance overall well-being, potentially outweighing the benefits of an extra hour of sleep.

The misconception that sacrificing a bit of sleep for a morning routine may compromise our health is in my 15 years of experience with ‘the practice’ not valid. Engaging in practices like mindfulness, exercise, and journaling in the early hours has been linked to increased productivity, heightened focus, and reduced stress levels throughout the day.

A powerful reframe you can use, consider your morning routine as an investment in yourself. If “Producing” is the most important thing in life, “Invest” to increase “Productivity”. Include the “investment” in your calendar, make it count.

So, the next time the "no time" excuse surfaces, remember that dedicating a small portion of your morning to self-care can yield substantial returns on your overall health and happiness. It's not just about finding time; it's about choosing what to prioritize.

"Practice while you can, you will need it when you can't." K. Das

Creating Your Own Morning Ritual

Reflect on Your Goals:

Take a moment to consider your wellbeing short-term and long-term goals.
How can your morning routine align with these objectives?

Start Small and Build:

Begin with manageable activities that bring you joy, energy, and peace.
Gradually incorporate new elements as your routine evolves.

Choose Mindful Practices:

Conscious movement, Breathing practices, Silence, Meditation, gratitude exercises, or journaling can foster mindfulness.
Incorporate activities that ground you and set a positive tone for the day.

Physical Activity:

While we sleep, the body accumulates fascia. Engaging in conscious movement each morning is a proactive approach to breaking down these layers, preventing the buildup and solidification of this tissue.
Wake up early to engage in conscious movement that aligns the physical, energetic, mental, and spiritual elements.

Planning and Goal Setting:

How do you organize your tasks for the day?
Do you set specific goals in the pre-morning routing?
How can you commit and allow yourself permission for these practices?

Technology Use:

When do you check/connect your phone or emails?
Can you create a digital detox moment during your pre-morning routing?

Fasting:

Restrict your pre-morning beverage or eating routine (coffee, tea, water, etc.). Consider fasting, particularly if it aligns with your well-being, either before your breakfast or following your morning practice.

The Ever-Changing Nature of Morning Practices:

Understand that your morning routine is not cast in stone. It evolves with the seasons of life, adapting to the flow of the season, your responsibilities, aspirations, and personal growth. It's a dynamic process that requires periodic reevaluation and adjustment.

Start Small, Stay Consistent:

Remember, there's no need to 'boil the ocean' from day one. Begin with small, sustainable changes, and build upon them. Consistency is the key – a few minutes of meaningful practice each day surpasses sporadic, intense efforts.

"Study thy self, discover the divine" - Patanjali II.44

A Personal Example

I was honored to meet many teachers throughout the last 15 years who taught me traditional practices that I had adapted and experimented with to what is today my morning practice. My practice is mainly rooted in the millennial Yoga tradition and is not something I had created but just adapted to my path. What works for me may not necessarily work for you. It's a journey of self-discovery, an exploration of practices that resonate with your unique needs and preferences. Here's a glimpse into my morning ritual, recognizing that your path may unfold quite differently.

Morning Routine (6 to 7 am):

Physical:
- Personal Hygiene & Nasal Cleansing (Jala Neti):
  - My morning kicks off with personal hygiene, including Neti nostril cleansing. This ancient yogic practice not only refreshes the nasal passages but also serves as a meditative and purifying start to the day.
- Fascia Release through Yoga Asanas (Mysore style Ashtanga Yoga):
  - Breaking out the fascia is a pivotal part of my routine. I engage in yoga asana movements that target the fascial network, promoting flexibility, releasing tension, and enhancing overall mobility.

Note: If you don’t know what Fascia is and you are ok to watch how it looks, I encourage you to find a Youtube Fascia video in cadavers.

Energetic:
- Breathing Practices (Pranayama):
  - Pranayama is a millennial yogic practice, that many today call 'breathwork' designed to channel vital energy and enhance the functionality of my respiratory system. These intentional breath exercises specifically target the diaphragm, promote its strength, and contribute to optimal oxygenation.

Mind & Spirit:
- Meditation (Dhyana)
  - Meditation serves as a powerful tool for introspection and cultivating mindfulness. In the quietude of meditation, I create a space to observe the ebb and flow of your thoughts and emotions. It's a profound journey into self-awareness, allowing you to witness the intricate patterns of my 'mind'. As I navigate the currents of my thoughts, meditation provides me with a quiet place to acknowledge and understand my emotions. The key lies not in suppressing or controlling these thoughts, but rather in gently guiding my focus back to the present moment. The practice of observing without judgment.
- Journaling (Svadhyaya)
  - Freewriting Journaling follows, providing an avenue to capture uncensored thoughts, emotions, reflections, and intentions for the day ahead. This combination cultivates mindfulness and emotional well-being.

Twice a Week (1 Hour Extra):

Deeper Yoga Practice : Twice a week, I dedicate an extra hour to a more profound yoga practice. This extended session involves a deeper exploration of yoga postures, breath control, and meditation.

Remember, this is just one example, a snapshot of what works for me. The beauty lies in experimenting, tailoring each element to align with your preferences and needs. Whether your morning practice involves vigorous exercise, moments of stillness, or a blend of both, the key is to craft a routine that fuels your vitality and sets a positive tone for your unique journey.

Ancient wisdom

In the realm of yoga wisdom, the morning is regarded as a sacred and auspicious time, holding profound significance for one's physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. The philosophical underpinnings of yoga provide compelling reasons for prioritizing the morning hours in our daily routines.

Sattvic Energy: According to yoga philosophy, the early hours of the morning are characterized by a prevalence of Sattva – a pure and harmonious energy. Sattvic energy is believed to be conducive to mental clarity, heightened awareness, and spiritual pursuits. By engaging in practices during this time, individuals can tap into this serene energy to foster a positive and balanced state of mind.
Connection to Circadian Rhythms: The early morning is a transitional phase, marking the shift from darkness to light. By synchronizing our practices with these cosmic rhythms, we attune ourselves to the inherent balance and order of the universe, promoting a sense of harmony within.
Quieting the Mind: In the tranquillity of the morning, the world is still waking up, and there is a pervasive sense of stillness. This quietude provides an ideal environment for introspection, meditation, and mindful practices. The mind is naturally more receptive, making it easier to turn inward, quiet the mental chatter, and connect with the deeper aspects of our being.
Cultivating Discipline: Embarking on a morning routine requires a degree of discipline and commitment. Yoga encourages the development of self-discipline (tapas) as an essential aspect of personal growth. By consistently dedicating time to morning practices, individuals cultivate a sense of inner strength and resilience that extends into other areas of life.

Well, that's where the magic begins – a chance to harness the calm and potential that dawn offers. But, make no mistake; there's no one-size-fits-all morning routine. It's a canvas waiting for your unique strokes.

Conclusion:

In creating your morning routine, you're not just crafting a sequence of activities; you're cultivating a mindset that will accompany you throughout the day. Embrace the power of the morning, personalize your routine, and let it be a testament to your commitment to a fulfilling life.

Closing Thoughts:

As you embark on this journey, stay attuned to the rhythm of your life. Embrace change, welcome new influences, and let your morning routine be a living expression of who you are and who you aspire to be. After all, the morning is your canvas – paint it with purpose. Your unique masterpiece awaits, evolving and flourishing with each stroke of intention and commitment.

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