A guide to mindful waking up
Updated: Nov 30, 2021
How are you waking up at the moment? How am I?
What is the first feeling that you have when you wake up in the morning? Is it peace, calm, excitement, or dredd? Whatever issues you are currently working through a sense of gratitude is a good place to start. You say a pray or a personal thank you for the 'good' in your life. Make a clear statement of thanks for three things, however easy or difficult. Just find the good before you leave your resting place.
Can we eradicate self-loathing and self-pity? A good friend of mine once said that they had learnt from an active exuberant soul in their nineties the key to a 'good' life is....
“No self pity.”
What teas do we have in mother's herb cupboard to eradicate self pity? Tip 1:
Probably Nettle ~ Urtica dioica
Nettle infusions are a great way to start the day native to the mediterranean regions and prolific in the UK. We have been blessed with the medicine of nettle; a courageous allie. Place 2 Tbsp of dried leaf per 1L of boiling water. Cover and leave overnight. Strain and drink cold, or reheat and add a squeeze of lemon juice. A wonderful way to begin your day.
Bring awareness to the noises, smells and conversation that we envelope ourselves in at this our sacred time of the day. Generate feelings of self-love and self-acceptance and self-encouragement. Choose a healthy breakfast or a healthy fast. Pace yourself. Be your own best friend.
Tip 2: Before you begin any other personal hygiene routine splash cold water on your face.
This will increase stimulation of the vagus nerve (the vagabond/wandering) nerve a key modulator of the gut-brain axis. Whilst your body adjusts to the initial shock of the cold, sympathetic activity declines (fight or flight), whilst parasympathetic activity increases (rest & digest). A cheap and easy way to promote a mindful way to wake up and step up with love and gratitude into your day. Try it out for two weeks and consider any benefits.
Tip 3: Spray Aromatic water around you before you go to work. I personally love rose & frankincense. My partner loves sage & patchouli. Find a plant that sets the 'tone' for you. Rosemary is useful for mental dexterity encouraging you to flow into your day retaining the good and releasing the not so good experiences as they unfold. If you have a car or a train journey aromatic waters are really useful. Try them and see.