Crossed off the list 07/02/12
Every morning I wake up, walk out to my lounge room, do some stretches, and then sit down on the floor facing the sunny courtyard and begin to meditate. I start by breathing deeply from my diaphragm (we call it Buddha Breathing, because my tummy sticks out like a little Buddha!), and clear my mind of the previous night’s dreams.
I tend to start my meditation by focusing on my ex-husband and sending love and kindness his way. This may sound weird to most people, but this helps me to retain my dignity and respect for what we once were, which is important to me. It also helps me to let go of any residual anger or bitterness I have towards him, which in turn helps me to move on and focus my energy on acceptance and more positive areas of my life (rather than be caught up in the pain of the past). Each day, I get closer and closer to releasing all the negative thoughts and energy, thus paving the way for me to forgive him. Sometimes a tear rolls down my face; other times I have a smile – either way, I send out my gratitude to him for what has happened, as it has allowed me to live the life I only ever secretly dreamed about before (and I now know that it is the life I was truly meant to be living).
I then focus my energy on Muggy, and I send him all my love and gratitude, hoping that he can ‘hear’ me on another level – and I think he does, as he stops crying at the door around this time and settles quietly, just looking at me through the window with a little smile on his face (he does the same thing every morning without fail). This part always brings a smile to my face.
The next part of my morning routine involves me focusing and meditating on the word ‘Gratitude’. I open my heart to the Universe and send out my thanks for everything I am grateful for – my life, my health, my education, my family and friends, my housemates and new home, my freedom, my spirit, every opportunity that has ever presented itself to me, no matter what shape or form it was disguised in – to all this and more, I say a big “THANK YOU!” to the Universe and count my blessings every morning.
It truly is the best way to start the day and has become a ritual that I sincerely look forward to every morning. Starting my day by giving thanks and expressing gratitude for what I have in my life helps me to keep a level head when times are tough; it guides my judgement in a more positive way; and it brings more joy to my life overall. Every time I finish my meditation, I always have a huge grin on my face and I feel so unbelievably joyous and content. As the saying goes, “Gratitude turns what we have into enough”; and it is so true! I challenge you to try it – spend a few minutes each morning (or night, whatever suits you best) sitting quietly and open your heart and mind to the gratitude you carry within yourself – you’ll be amazed at what you discover!
Namaste xoxo
