If you want to become more mindful, start doing these 8 things every morning

Mindfulness. It’s a powerful tool, but it can be challenging to cultivate.

Hi, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit, and a passionate advocate for mindfulness and Buddhism. I’ve found that the best way to kickstart a day filled with mindfulness is by establishing a morning routine.

The beauty of mindfulness is that it’s not about doing more, but rather about being present in what you are doing right now. And what better way to start your day than by being fully present?

In this article, I’ll share some simple things you can do every morning to become more mindful. 

Trust me, they really can set the tone for your day. So get ready to wake up and smell the mindfulness!

1) Embrace silence

In our world, filled with constant noise and distractions, silence has become a rare commodity. Yet, it’s in these quiet moments that we can truly connect with our inner selves and cultivate mindfulness.

As a daily practitioner of mindfulness and Buddhism, I can’t stress enough the importance of starting your morning in silence. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and provides a much-needed moment of calm before the storm.

Now, when I say “embrace silence”, I don’t mean you have to sit in complete stillness for hours. Even just a few minutes of quiet contemplation can make a world of difference.

Try it out. Before reaching for your phone or turning on the TV, take a few minutes to sit quietly. Listen to the sounds around you – the chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, your own steady breath. Let these sounds ground you in the present moment.

Mindfulness is about being fully present and aware. And there’s no better way to kickstart this awareness than by basking in the serene silence of the early morning.

2) Make a mindfulness pledge

One thing I’ve found incredibly helpful in my own mindfulness journey is making a daily pledge or affirmation. 

It’s a simple, yet powerful way to set your intentions and remind yourself of the importance of staying present throughout the day.

Start by choosing a phrase that resonates with you. It could be something like “Today, I will be fully present in each moment” or “I choose to experience today without judgment”. Then, make it a part of your morning routine. Say it out loud, write it down, or simply repeat it in your mind.

Thich Nhat Hanh, renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it.” This quote serves as a beautiful reminder of the power of mindfulness and the peace that can be found in the here and now.

So make your pledge. Let it guide you towards a more mindful day.

3) Practice mindful eating

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the simple act of eating. We often eat while working, watching TV, or scrolling through our phones. 

But in doing so, we miss out on the opportunity to practice mindfulness and truly connect with the experience.

Mindful eating is a concept rooted deeply in Buddhist teachings. It involves paying full attention to the process of eating, from the taste and texture of the food to the act of swallowing. It’s about appreciating each bite and acknowledging the nourishment the food provides.

This might sound simple, but it can be surprisingly challenging in practice. Our minds are often elsewhere, caught up in our thoughts and worries. 

But remember this: each meal is an opportunity to return to the present moment.

So tomorrow morning, as you sit down for breakfast, take a moment to truly experience your food. Savor each bite. Appreciate its journey from the earth to your plate. 

This is not just eating – this is mindful eating, a powerful practice that can anchor us in the present and enrich our everyday lives.

4) Mindful movement

Let’s be honest, mornings can be hectic. The rush to get ready and start the day often leaves little room for mindfulness. 

But what if I told you that you can turn these rushed moments into opportunities for mindfulness?

Enter mindful movement – the practice of paying full attention to your body and its movements. Whether you’re brushing your teeth, making coffee, or getting dressed, you can turn these routine tasks into mindful practices.

Start by slowing down. Pay attention to every movement your body makes, feel the sensation of your feet on the floor, the texture of your clothes on your skin, or the taste of toothpaste in your mouth.

Mindfulness isn’t about adding more to our to-do list; it’s about finding presence in what we’re already doing. 

So next time you find yourself rushing through your morning routine, take a deep breath and slow down. Engage fully with each task at hand. Not only will this help you start your day on a calmer note, but it will also open up a whole new world of everyday mindfulness for you.

5) Incorporate gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful practice, and one that I deeply believe in. Each morning, I take a moment to reflect on the things I am grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or as profound as the love of my family.

Incorporating gratitude into your morning routine can shift your perspective and help you approach the day with a positive mindset. It helps us acknowledge the good in our lives, and this acknowledgment is a form of mindfulness in itself.

In fact, I delve deeper into the concept of gratitude in my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. The book explores the teachings of Buddhism and how we can apply them to live a more fulfilling and mindful life.

So tomorrow morning, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on what you’re grateful for. It’s a simple act that can cultivate mindfulness and set a positive tone for the rest of your day.

6) Meditation matters

This might sound cliché, but meditation truly is a cornerstone of both mindfulness and Buddhism. Yet, many people shy away from it, thinking it’s too complex or time-consuming. But the truth is, you don’t need to meditate for hours to reap its benefits.

Meditation is about training the mind to stay present and aware. It’s about acknowledging your thoughts and feelings without judgment. And the beauty of it is that it can be as simple or as complex as you want it to be.

You can start with just a few minutes each morning. Sit in a comfortable position, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. When your mind wanders – and it will – gently bring it back to your breath.

It’s not about achieving a state of total emptiness or forcing your mind to be quiet. It’s about observing without judgment, being present with what is.

So give it a try. Start small and be patient with yourself.

7) Connect with nature

In today’s digital age, we often find ourselves disconnected from the natural world. Yet, nature has a unique way of grounding us and bringing us back to the present moment.

Take a few minutes each morning to step outside and connect with nature. Feel the sun on your skin, listen to the birds singing, or simply observe the trees swaying in the wind. These simple acts can help you cultivate mindfulness and start your day on a positive note.

Jon Kabat-Zinn, a renowned mindfulness teacher and author, once said, “The little things? The little moments? They aren’t little.” This quote beautifully encapsulates the essence of mindfulness – finding joy and peace in the ‘little’ moments.

So, make it a point to connect with nature each morning. It doesn’t have to be a grand adventure; even a few minutes in your backyard can do wonders for your mindfulness practice.

8) Do less

This might sound counterintuitive, especially in a society that glorifies busyness. But one of the most effective ways to cultivate mindfulness is to simply do less.

Juggling multiple tasks at once can lead to stress and overwhelm. It pulls us away from the present moment and into a whirlwind of thoughts and worries.

Instead, try to focus on one task at a time. When you’re eating, just eat. When you’re walking, just walk. Fully immerse yourself in the experience without trying to multitask.

By doing less, you actually create space for more – more focus, more awareness, and more presence. It’s not about being lazy or unproductive; it’s about doing things with intention and mindfulness.

So, tomorrow morning, instead of rushing through your routine, slow down. Do one thing at a time. You might just find that by doing less, you’re actually achieving more.

Cultivating mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. And this journey starts with simple, everyday actions. By incorporating these practices into your morning routine, you can set the tone for a more mindful and fulfilling day.

Remember, it’s not about perfection but progress. So, take small steps, be patient with yourself, and celebrate the little victories along the way.

For those seeking to delve deeper into mindfulness and Buddhism, I invite you to explore my book, “Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego“. It’s a comprehensive guide filled with practical insights on how to live mindfully and make the most of each day.

Here’s to starting each morning with mindfulness and ending each day with gratitude. Remember, every new dawn is an opportunity to be present, to be aware, and to be mindful.

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Lachlan Brown

I’m Lachlan Brown, the founder, and editor of Hack Spirit. I love writing practical articles that help others live a mindful and better life. I have a graduate degree in Psychology and I’ve spent the last 15 years reading and studying all I can about human psychology and practical ways to hack our mindsets. Check out my latest book on the Hidden Secrets of Buddhism and How it Saved My Life. If you want to get in touch with me, hit me up on Facebook or Twitter.

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