Lachlan Brown
Every morning is a new opportunity to set the tone for the rest of your day. As a mindfulness and Buddhism expert, I’ve learned that starting your day right is key to maintaining a happy and mindful disposition.
Happy and mindful people have their own morning rituals that help kick-start their day on a positive note. These rituals, which I’ve come to appreciate, are seemingly simple habits that can make a significant difference in your life.
In this article, I’m going to share eight things that happy and mindful people do every day before they take on the world. These are habits I’ve adopted in my own life and have seen firsthand the benefits they bring.
Let’s dive into these daily rituals and see how they can transform your mornings – and ultimately, your life.
1) Embrace the silence
In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to appreciate the beauty of silence. Yet, it’s in these quiet moments that we can truly connect with ourselves and the world around us.
Happy and mindful people understand this. They start their day by embracing the silence, often before the world wakes up. This could be through meditation, a quiet walk, or just sitting in silence with a cup of tea.
This early morning ritual helps them to clear their minds and set a calm, peaceful tone for the rest of the day. It’s a time to reflect, to nurture gratitude and to mentally prepare for whatever the day may bring.
The beauty of this practice lies in its simplicity. And the best part? You don’t need any special equipment or a lot of time – just a few quiet moments to yourself.
Tomorrow morning, before you dive into your daily routine, take some time to appreciate the silence. Trust me, it’s a game-changer!
2) Practice mindfulness meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a staple in my daily routine, and for good reason. It’s a powerful tool that happy and mindful people use to start their day with clarity and focus.
Sitting down for even just a few minutes of meditation can make a world of difference. It helps to center your thoughts, calm your mind, and set a positive intention for the day ahead.
A famous Buddhism expert, Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
And it’s true. During meditation, focusing on your breath helps anchor you in the present moment, allowing you to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment or resistance.
If you’re new to mindfulness meditation, start small. Dedicate just five minutes every morning to sit in stillness and pay attention to your breath. With time and practice, you’ll start to notice its benefits seeping into all areas of your life.
3) Contemplate impermanence
Impermanence, or the idea that everything is in a constant state of change, is a fundamental principle in Buddhism. And contemplating it each morning can be a powerful way to start the day.
To some, this might seem like a bleak thought to begin the day with. But in reality, it’s quite liberating. Understanding and accepting that nothing is permanent can help us let go of our attachments and appreciate each moment as it comes.
Each morning, take a moment to remind yourself of this truth. Look around you – the sun rising, the birds chirping, the leaves rustling. All these are beautiful reminders of the ever-changing nature of life.
This practice helps cultivate a sense of detachment from material things and promotes a deeper appreciation for the present moment. It’s a stark yet profound reminder to live fully and mindfully, for nothing remains unchanged forever.
4) Set a mindful intention
Setting a mindful intention for the day is a practice that truly mindful people swear by. It’s not about making a to-do list or setting goals, it’s about deciding the attitude and awareness you’ll bring into your day.
An intention could be as simple as “I will be patient today” or “I will approach today with kindness”. This isn’t about achieving something but guiding your day in a more conscious, deliberate manner.
This practice can bring a sense of purpose and direction to your day. It acts as a gentle reminder to stay present, to be aware of our actions and reactions, and to live our day with mindfulness.
It’s not about perfection but about progress. Some days will be easier than others, but the key is consistency. Stay committed to your intention and you’ll notice how it gradually transforms your thoughts, emotions, and ultimately, your life.
5) Cultivate gratitude
Gratitude plays a huge role in my life and in the lives of many happy and mindful people I know. It’s such a simple practice, but it can truly transform the way you view your life.
Every morning, take a few moments to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. It could be as simple as the warmth of your bed, the taste of your morning coffee, or the sound of birds chirping outside your window.
In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into how cultivating gratitude can help us live more mindfully and find more joy in our everyday lives.
Gratitude isn’t just about big wins or achievements. It’s about appreciating and acknowledging the beauty in the little things. And trust me, once you start this practice, you’ll begin to see that there’s so much to be grateful for.
6) Engage with nature
Nature is one of the most powerful teachers of mindfulness and Buddhism wisdom. And happy, mindful people make it a point to engage with nature each morning.
Whether it’s a walk in the park, a few moments in the garden, or simply watching the sunrise, connecting with nature can be a grounding experience. It’s a reminder of our intrinsic connection with the world around us and the cycles of life and change.
In the silence and simplicity of nature, we can learn to observe, to be present, and to appreciate the beauty of the moment. It’s a space where we can let go of our worries and just be.
Tomorrow morning, take some time out to connect with nature. It doesn’t have to be something big or time-consuming; just a few moments of quiet appreciation can do wonders for your mood and mindset.
7) Practice loving-kindness
Loving-kindness, or Metta, is a fundamental practice in Buddhism. It’s about cultivating an attitude of love and kindness towards oneself and others.
Each morning, take a moment to wish well for yourself and for others. It could be as simple as saying, “May I be happy. May I be well. May I be safe. May I be peaceful and at ease.”
This might seem like a small act, but it can have profound effects on our mindset and our interactions with others throughout the day.
As renowned mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” And it’s true. These small acts of kindness can ripple out into the world and create a significant impact.
Start your day with a dose of loving-kindness. It’s a beautiful way to cultivate compassion and kindness in your life.
8) Do nothing
Yes, you read that right. Happy and mindful people often start their day by doing absolutely nothing.
In our fast-paced world, we’re constantly bombarded with tasks, information, and distractions. We’ve become so used to being busy that the idea of doing nothing seems counterproductive, even lazy.
But doing nothing – even for just a few minutes each morning – can be a powerful mindfulness practice.
It’s not about idling away time, but consciously choosing to pause and just be in the moment. It’s a chance to let go of the constant need to do something and to simply exist.
This practice allows us to tune into our thoughts and feelings, to observe without judgment or distraction. It’s a small act of rebellion against the culture of busyness and a step towards a more mindful existence.
Tomorrow morning, try doing nothing. Just sit quietly and let yourself be. It might feel strange at first, but with time, you’ll come to appreciate these precious moments of stillness.
Conclusion
And there you have it – eight simple yet powerful practices that happy and mindful people incorporate into their mornings. None of these require huge amounts of time or effort, but their impact on your mindset and well-being can be significant.
Remember, mindfulness is not a destination but a journey. It’s about making small, conscious choices each day that bring us closer to a more mindful and fulfilling life.
If you’re interested in deepening your understanding of mindfulness and Buddhism, I invite you to check out my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. In it, I share more tips and insights to help you live a more mindful, meaningful life.
Here’s to happier and more mindful mornings!
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