Waking up

Waking up. This is a slow start to the day, for the first few minutes after you wake, before you pick up the phone. If the phone is already in your hand, put it down for now. It will keep. Stay lying down, or sit up on the edge of the bed. Eyes open or closed.

Notice the light in the room. Where is it coming from? If it is still dark, notice that.

Now a stretch. Reach the arms up, or out, or just point the toes away from you. Let the body be long for a moment.

And let it go.

Three breaths now, slower than usual. In through the nose.

Out, slowly.

In.

And out.

Once more. In.

And a long breath out.

Notice the body as it is this morning. Rested or tired, stiff or loose. You do not need to change it. It is just how the day starts.

Now one small intention. Not a list. One thing you would like to do today, or one way you would like to be. Something small enough that it can happen.

Say it to yourself once.

Now sit up slowly if you were lying down. Feet on the floor.

Drink some water before anything else, if you can. Then begin the day. The phone can come after.