I get up earlier now than ever before in my adult life.  I've never really been an early morning person.  For years, I was on a late night schedule, but necessity has changed that in the past decade.  I've joked that I am addicted to sleep and certainly to dreaming.  So, staying snug in my bed on crisp, cool mornings like this one is a temptation that is all too attractive.  

I have found two things that seem to help me to actually wake up with a bit more energy and enthusiasm.  I start my morning with deep, deliberate breathing.  Consciously, I pull air deeply into my lungs and feel any place in my body that wants a bit of attention --- a toe cracks, a stiff neck releases a little, my jaw comes unhinged.  With the next deep breath, I hold the morning air inside of me for a couple of extra seconds to feel the expansiveness of my lungs.  Then, a third breath races in to clear and calm my mind and body.  With this clearing, I list all of the things for which I am grateful --- the warm bed, my strong body, the pitch meeting this morning, the love in my life, the second wave of rain on its way, my unseen opportunities, my dreams during the night, my ability to breathe deeply and consciously.  In doing this, the day has already started with what inspires and motivates me.  The rest of the day is merely an extension of the deep breathing and gratitude that started my morning.

Breathing Deeply ...