A Simple Ritual for Mental Clarity
For the past few weeks, I’ve been waking up 15 minutes earlier than usual. It’s not a big change, but the difference it’s made has been noticeable. It’s funny how small adjustments can sometimes have a bigger impact than you expect. So, why am I waking up an extra 15 minutes earlier?
Well, the first thing I do (after my shower) is make my bulletproof coffee. No rush, just enough time to prepare a cup, take a sip, and step out onto the front porch. It’s still quiet outside. The sun hasn’t fully risen yet, and there’s this calm in the air that I can’t really describe – just the soft chirping of birds, and a rooster in the distance. It’s peaceful. Almost… too peaceful you know? But I think that’s what makes it so good.
While I’m sitting there, just watching the sky slowly change colours, it feels like my mind gets to do the same thing. It’s almost like the world around me is stretching and waking up, and I’m doing the same in my own way. Breathing deeply, slowly, I feel my thoughts begin to clear, one by one. It’s not some miraculous mental reset, but it’s definitely a shift. A gentle one.
Inhaling, I get to feel the cool, crisp morning air fill my lungs, and I get to exhale gratitude that I have another day.
I think the act of pausing, even just for a few minutes, does something to you. It’s like a soft invitation to check in with yourself before diving into the noise of the day. I’ve noticed that on the days I skip this little ritual, I don’t feel the same. Not in a major way, but it’s like I’m running on autopilot and didn’t bother to fuel up first. That quiet time seems to prepare me mentally, grounding me before the world pulls me in every direction.
And yeah, I suppose 15 minutes doesn’t sound like a lot, right? It’s a short period of time. But somehow, that small window feels long enough for me to reset. It’s strange – on some mornings, I think I’ll want to rush back inside, get on with my day, but the stillness pulls me back. I’ll sit there a little longer. The birds are always a reminder to slow down, and the blooming flowers tell you to stay in the moment.
There’s something to be said about slowing down, especially at the beginning of the day. I spent many years rushing through mornings to feel productive, but now I’m learning that sometimes the best way to start your day is by not rushing at all.
I’m so grateful to have now made my mornings nice and slow.
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