"In the midst of chaos, there is also opportunity." — Sun Tzu
Often the busy cacophony of life drowns our own inner voice. Taking space for a mindful morning is a profound opportunity to nurture some serenity. A quiet cup of tea while enjoying the view from your window, some time for silent meditation, maybe lighting some incense or listening to a sacred song. There are many ways to make space for mindfulness; You could also try "Morning Pages," this is a gentle form of automatic writing that can transform your mornings into a sacred, contemplative space.
The Essence of Morning Pages
"You are the sky. Everything else is just the weather." — Pema Chödrön
Morning Pages, was introduced by Julia Cameron in her book "The Artist's Way," is a practice rooted in simplicity and mindfulness. It involves sitting down in the quietude of your morning, armed only with pen and paper, and allowing your thoughts to flow freely. There are no rules, no judgments, and no expectations. You are the sky, and your thoughts are the passing clouds.
Creating Your Mindful Morning Sanctuary
Choose Your Space: Begin by selecting a quiet, serene corner of your home. It could be a cozy chair by the window, a spot in your garden, or simply a space where you feel a sense of calm.
Unplug: Leave your electronic devices in another room. This is your time for inner reflection, free from the distractions of the digital world.
Morning Stillness: Rise a little earlier than your usual routine to savor the tranquility of the early morning. The world is quieter, and your mind is fresher.
The Practice: Morning Pages
"The key is to wake up and recognize that fear is in our minds, and it's not real. It's just a product of our thoughts." — Pema Chödrön
Materials: Have a journal or notebook and a pen ready. The tactile experience of writing by hand enhances mindfulness.
Set a Timer: Start with 10 minutes. As you become more comfortable, you can extend this time.
Write Without Judgement: Allow your thoughts to flow. Write whatever comes to mind, whether it's worries, dreams, or simple observations. There is no right or wrong.
Witness Your Thoughts: Imagine you're an observer, gently watching the thoughts as they arise and dissipate, like clouds in the sky.
Embrace Imperfections: Your handwriting might be messy, your sentences disjointed, but that's the beauty of this practice. It's about the process, not the product.
Closing Your Morning Pages
"Each moment is just what it is. It might be the only moment of our life, it might be the only strawberry we'll ever eat. We could get depressed about it, or we could finally appreciate it and delight in the preciousness of every single moment of our life." — Pema Chödrön
As your timer signals the end of your Morning Pages session, take a moment to reflect. This practice is a testament to impermanence; just as thoughts come and go, so do the moments in our lives. Embrace the preciousness of each day, each breath, and each written word.
In your own gentle way, close your journal, acknowledging the thoughts you've entrusted to its pages. You've begun your day with mindfulness, setting a tone of presence and awareness that can carry you through the hours ahead.
A Gift to Yourself
As Pema Chödrön reminds us, the present moment is the perfect teacher, and it's always with us. Morning Pages help you tap into this profound wisdom, nurturing self-discovery, self-compassion, and inner peace, one quiet morning at a time.
