I love the mornings where I wake up and go in search of sunshine first thing.
I am lucky in this home, because I walk outside and head straight for the beach. I jump in the morning water, fresh and cool. Yellow light sparkles on the sea-green water, striking the top lip of the wave translucent. I wade for a few minutes, alternating looking at the shoreline and out to the sea. Then I walk out of the water, feeling refreshed and reborn. I feel so free - like some sort of new animal, like a dog or like a boy with short hair, as I feel an extra lightness with the saltwater cooling my neck. When I had short hair, I did try shaking it, as I see boys do. It felt lighthearted and made me laugh at myself. Now, I am back to enjoying the longer locks curling as they dry against my neck and shoulders. Regardless, the salt begins to dry. I shower off and get dressed for the day, but that unusual levity remains with me for the rest of the morning.
This morning ritual, while it doesn’t happen every day, ensures a happy start to the day. It makes starting work at 9am many lightyears easier for me. Any step out into the sunshine is great for the health and ideal for supporting the body in waking up.
I love the mornings where I meditate first thing.
Another morning ritual has recently reentered my life with new vitality. Approximately two weeks ago, I got a friendly reminder about meditation while listening to a Gisele Bundchen on Jay Shetty’s podcast, On Purpose.
She describes meditation as a practice for “discovering a world within herself.” She also meditates first thing in the morning - before starting the actions of the day, in order to “fill your own cup first.”
These words inspired me! These are the words that struck a chord in me and moved me to act. I enjoy meditation and for years have held a pretty steady meditation practice, though it was less structured; usually 3-5 times a week I’d find the time, take a break during work, and go outside for 15 mins of repose. That worked well for me, but I knew that morning meditation upon waking would bring even further benefit.
The morning after listening to this podcast, I recommitted to this morning meditation practice again, and now it is becoming a spirit-sustaining habit during this season.
The benefits of mindful meditation are enhanced by mindful breathing techniques. There are various pranayama (breathing exercise) techniques, though my preferred techniques tend to be box breathing and physiological sighing, both of which are great for calming the nervous system - and have some stellar scientific data behind them (see: Cell Reports Medicine).
So, on seeking domestic bliss and a calm life at home amid work, household chores, planning, juggling, etc - my renewed practice which brings me calm and an affirming sense of discipline, has been these first-thing-in-the-morning meditations.
I hope that you also have some life-affirming practice that makes you feel equally wonderful. And if you are looking to try something new, look no further!
Silent meditations spent listening to the surrounding sounds are always great.
Similarly, during a silent meditation you can easily do a ‘body scan’, i.e. bringing your awareness through each part of your body. There are also guided meditations to guide you through this practice.
In terms of guidance, I really enjoy James Francis’ guided meditations (she also writes Now is Good), and here are two of Gisele’s guided meditations on the Insight Timer app.
Thanks for filling your own cup here.
Thanks for reading this post on seeking domestic bliss through mindful meditation and happy morning rituals. I hope that it serves as a reminder to treat yourself to a little extra love when you need it - which may be first thing in the morning.
I’m honored to have a spot in your inbox. If you feel so called, please share this post with a friend (or accountability partner?) who would appreciate these words.
sincerely,
P.S. Happy 22nd.