Start Right

This is the day that the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. – Psalm 118:24

So many things are out of your control these days. You can’t control how long this pandemic will last. You can’t control when businesses will re-open or what will happen to the economy. You can’t control who will get the virus and who won’t. Feeling constantly out of control can wear you down both physically and emotionally.

So, what can you control? How about the way you start your day? I have found this sixty-second morning routine to be really helpful during these days when so little is in my control.

Step One: One deep breath. That’s it! Just inhale deeply for 4 seconds, and exhale for 8. Allow fresh oxygen to wake up your mind and body in preparation for a new day.

Step Two: One thought of gratitude. This isn’t a laundry list of things you are grateful, but one thing that you are truly, deeply grateful for – so much so that you feel it. Allow that feeling to fill you up.

Step Three: Set an intention. This isn’t about what you’re going to do today but how you’re going to show up throughout the day.

Step Four: Step out. Put your feet on the ground and pause for a moment. Feel your feet connect to the floor. Be where your feet are, grounded in the present moment. Take a moment for your mind and your body to be in the exact same place.

Now walk into this day that the Lord has made, rejoicing and being glad in it.

Jeff Marian serves as lead pastor at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville, MN

Thanks to Dr. Michael Gervais for the ideas behind this morning routine.