Nurturing Your Spirit: 10 Steps for Creating a Sacred Morning Practice
“The morning breeze has secrets to tell you. Do not go back to sleep.”
– Rumi
In the rush of our daily lives, finding moments of tranquility and connection can be a challenge. We often let our own well-being take a back seat to the hustle and bustle of daily responsibilities. I have seen first-hand the power of nurturing your soul and carving out sacred moments for self-discovery and inner growth, and yet…
During the summer it’s easy for me to fall out of my morning routine. ALL the kids are home ALL the time, we’re traveling and away, and honestly, it feels impossible to keep many of our routines for these weeks of summer no matter how hard I try. Each year, as we inch closer to back-to-school, I start to get excited about the return to my sacred morning practice. The season’s change helps to gently move me in that direction as well. We’re about to begin the great Fall transition from the “going and doing” energy of summer toward the “being and stillness” of winter. Perfect for turning inward.
A morning practice can be a powerful way to start your day with intention, mindfulness, and a sense of connection to your higher self. In this post, we’ll explore the art of crafting a soul-nurturing morning routine that sets the tone for a fulfilling and empowered day.
That said, not everyone is a morning person – we all have our own natural rhythms that we need to honor – so if the thought of getting up early makes your stomach turn, please still craft your sacred practice and find another time that works for you. Maybe it’s later in the morning, or perhaps it becomes your evening pre-bed ritual. The point is to have a regular spiritual practice at a time that allows you to be fully present and consistent.
A morning practice can be a powerful way to start your day with intention, mindfulness, and a sense of connection to your higher self.
- Create a Sacred Space: Begin by designating an area of your home as your sacred space. It could be a cozy nook, a cushion in a quiet room, or even a small outdoor spot where you can connect with nature. Decorate this space with items that resonate with you, such as candles, crystals, photos, or meaningful found objects. Having a dedicated space signals to your mind that this is a space for reflection, introspection, and growth. I wrote a whole post about creating sacred space HERE if you’d like a deeper dive.
- Set Your Intention: What do you hope to achieve during your practice? Ask yourself what you need – whether it’s clarity, peace, courage, or deepening your connection with yourself – having a specific intention will align your focus and energy and infuse your practice with purpose. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and visualize yourself embodying your intention.
- Start Small: When starting any new routine, it’s important to start small. Begin with manageable increments of time, like 10-15 minutes, to avoid feeling overwhelmed and help you be consistent. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually extend the length of your practice. Over time, your practice will evolve and deepen, becoming a cherished sacred part of your day.
- Gratitude: Set aside time during your practice for reflecting on the blessings in your life, big and small. You can say these aloud or write them down in your journal. Expressing gratitude is a beautiful way to shift your perspective and start or end the day on a positive note – it opens your heart and invites more positivity into your life.
- Breathwork + Meditation: Deep, intentional breathing calms the mind and grounds you in the present. Meditation, even for a few minutes, can help you center yourself, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and gently focus your attention on your breath. You can also use a guided meditation app or listen to calming music. Allow any thoughts to come and go without judgment.
6. Reflection + Journaling: Journaling is one of my absolute favorite tools for self-reflection and discovery; just ask any of my clients or the women who attend my circles. We write every time. After your meditation, take a few minutes to jot down your thoughts, feelings, and any insights that came up. You can also write down gratitude lists, intentions, or any dreams you have. Even clients who say they hate writing can’t believe the wisdom that pours out of them onto the page when they do.
7. Inspirational Reading: Reading spiritual or inspirational texts can provide you with insights and perspectives to carry into your day. Whether it’s a passage from a self-help book, a sacred text, a poem, or a quote, allow the words to inspire and uplift you.
8. Incorporate Rituals: Include rituals that resonate with your spiritual beliefs and/or ancestral practices. This could include lighting a candle, reciting affirmations, prayer, smoke cleansing, a cup of tea/coffee/warm lemon water, or reading an inspirational passage. Rituals provide a sense of rhythm and continuity to your practice, making it feel even more meaningful and profound.
9. Mindful Movement: Engage in some gentle movement, yoga, or stretching to help awaken your body and mind. Mindful movement not only enhances your physical flexibility and strength but also fosters a sense of connection between your physical and spiritual selves. As you move, pay attention to the sensations in your body, cultivating a deeper awareness of your physical being.
10. Set Clear Intentions for the Day: Before wrapping up your practice, set a clear intention for the day. What would you like to achieve? How would you like to show up in your interactions and tasks? Setting these intentions aligns your actions with your values and aspirations.
Starting a daily practice (morning or any other time of day!) is a gift you give yourself – a sacred space for self-discovery, growth, and connection with your soul. Remember, this practice reflects your unique spiritual journey, so feel free to tailor it to your beliefs and preferences and truly make it yours.
By nourishing and feeding your soul each day, you’re enhancing your own well-being, empowering yourself to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience, and setting the tone for a life filled with purpose and possibility.
Don’t have a daily spiritual practice yet? All good. Start by sitting down for a few quiet moments and thinking about where you’ll set up your sacred space. Create a beautiful vision for it in your mind, then write down a list of items you’ll need to gather. Take some big cleansing breaths, lifting the arms up overhead on the inhale and lowering them back to your sides on the exhale. And there you go – your first sacred practice is complete. Well done, you!
