Morning Routine
I open my eyes, it’s dark. I’m back in the simulation. Finally. I’m not the biggest fan of sleep, I wouldn’t do it if it weren’t necessary.
I check my phone for the time: 4:08am--time to get this party started, Michelle.
I tiptoe through the bedroom, brush my teeth and change into workout clothes as quietly as possible since the rest of the house is still asleep. It’s a considerate habit I was taught in my early college years while living with my aunt and her three little boys. I didn’t appreciate it back then, but I’m glad that it stuck with me.
In our home gym, I burn some sage, sit down then take a few minutes to stretch and meditate. It’s important for me to start the day this way when it’s so still and quiet. I do this before I allow any external stimulation (technology) into my mental space so I can hear my own thoughts more clearly. This practice helps me tune into the clarity of who I am, who I want to be, and the way I want to feel and go about my day.
I spend the next thirty minutes doing a quick weight lifting circuit. I love the way it feels to be so intensely focused on building my physical strength. It makes me feel unfuckablewith. In my mind, it’s like sharpening a blade. My body is a tool, a weapon I use in the battle of life to conquer (metaphorical) mountains. I feel like a modern day warrior goddess.
After I clean up, I get ready to go outside for my morning cardio or as I like to think of it--my morning walk/run of sanity. Without it, my energy seems to scatter more easily. I put on a sweater, my white running shoes and quietly step out the front door. The light of the sun is just barely peeking through the horizon, but the birds are already up chirping away.
As I walk down the driveway, I close my eyes and inhale deeply feeling the mildly cold air on my skin. I can’t help but smile because it feels so good to be alive. I am so deeply immersed in this moment, not thinking of the future or the past, just here, wide awake, for all the serenity and peace.
As I take step after step, walking through my sleeping neighborhood in awe of the trees and color of the early morning sky contemplating the miracle of consciousness, I know these feelings flow from merely the perception of my mind...and what a beautiful thing that is. To be completely alone yet still find so much to be joyful about. I feel so whole and in love in this moment and I can’t put my finger on exactly why.
Regardless, this is how a beautiful day starts to unfold.
This is the process that enables me to bring my best into each day. There’s no one else responsible, just me.
