How to create peace of mind

I start every day with the same ritual, getting up before the rest of the family wakes up making the time to exercise and meditate.

I follow this routine seven days per week because mind and body do not distinguish between weekdays and weekends.

Weekends are a made-up concept anyway, just like the belief that work needs to be done in an office from Monday to Friday at fixed times.

I love the first hour of the day.

It sets me up for the rest of the day. Even when the rest of the day is not as planned, I still have the satisfaction of a good workout and meditation.

Some days look a little different, especially when I travel, but this is generally the rhythm I stick to. When I miss a day, I try not to make it two. Two is a pattern. One can happen.

A good start to the day also helps me be more productive for the rest of the day. With a good start, the likelihood that my day will be effective is larger than when I don’t get off to a good start.

This is how the mind works. At least my mind.

“It’s in letting go of distraction that we find true peace of mind.”

Headspace

That was the Headspace quote of this morning that accompanied my meditation. During my morning, I limit my distractions. My phone is only with me for my meditation and nothing else.

I don’t see emails or messages until later. And frankly, I can’t imagine anymore waking up, looking at my phone first thing, or checking the news.

But…

Limiting distractions has been harder the past few weeks.

I need to make more of an effort and really push myself now that I’m very aware that the world is on fire and that things quickly might get out of control.

I’m trying to convince myself that these events are out of my direct influence, and at the same time, I’m mentally very involved in them.

So, I’m holding on to my routine even more intentionally.

I’m more aware of my privilege that I get to get up in the morning and exercise and meditate. Not everyone can say the same.

I told myself a long time ago that I don’t have to get up early every morning but that I get to get up every morning.

Rather than seeing it as a chore, I see it as a little gift that’s given to me and that I should take advantage of.

And I’m trying to enjoy the little things even more.

As I write this, the sun is shining, and it’s looking to be another beautiful day. I’ll find a moment during lunchtime to go out and take it all in.

Grateful for those little gifts, knowing that life can change in a second, and very aware that elsewhere people are less lucky or even fighting for their life and their freedom.

Your turn: what’s your little gift for today?

Let me know if you also find it hard to limit your distractions and focus on what you need to do. Feel free to schedule a 30’ growth conversation underneath.

Do more of what makes you happy!

Erikjan