In order to carry a positive action we must develop here a positive vision.
Dalai Lama
I wake up in the middle of the night a lot these days. It was very frustrating at first, and it still is at times. My energy is sapped during the day, and I try my darndest to resist the urge for a mid-afternoon nap. We all know how important quality sleep is for a human body and for a productive mind.
At times, I feel as if I’m a human doing rather than a human being. So, I have come to embrace these quiet hours, generally between 1AM and 4AM. They have evolved into my most mindful and thoughtful part of the day. I write. I meditate. I create lists. I read. And I think.
Do you create quiet times for yourself? Do you ever just sit and ask yourself thoughtful questions?
– What words invoke a sense of calm or inspiration for you?
– What could you do today to live a better life tomorrow?
– What memory brings you the greatest joy?
– Who are the people in your life that lift your soul, and how can you spend more time with them?
– What beauty am I either creating, cultivating or inviting in today?
In these dark hours, before the sky starts to light up with the morning sun, consider contemplating some of these questions. With so much stress and uncertainty in all of our lives, it’s important to take a deep breath and center one’s self. Even if it feels selfish, make time for yourself. Create a few moments to think positively and erase concerns from your mind. Practicing meditation is an effective way to achieve mental calm. Reflect on happy moments that have touched your heart. Revisit a scene from a vacation that still gives you a sense of wonder. Bask in the glow of how you felt when you extended a random act of kindness…or received one.
Please use the comments to share how these suggestions resonated with you. Have any of them helped shape your focus for the day?
Here are some more inspiring thoughts to help start your day on a positive note.
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched — they must be felt with the heart.”
~ Helen Keller
“If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”
~ Booker T. Washington
“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment for the soul and body. It’s truly love.”
~ Giada de Laurentis
Have a beautiful day!