When we wake up in the morning, where do our thoughts go? Do they run to the things we have to do? Are they filled with memories of yesterday and worries for tomorrow? How we think and feel when we wake up has a lot to do with how we will perceive the day. If we can relax our mind in those waking moments, we will give ourselves time to wake up in a more natural way. If we forgo the thoughts of moments passed and those to come, we will remain present as we wake up. For before we get up, as we are still lying in bed, we have the ability to set the tone of our day with our thoughts and our emotions. All too often, our day is controlled by how we interact with ourselves in those waking moments.

Before you rise, imagine nothing, think of nothing, just lie there and be awake. Enjoy the feeling of nothing to do, only transitioning between sleep and wakefulness. This moment, the one we are given before the day starts, is yours alone to set the pace and the momentum for the day. Take a few deep breaths; relish the new day and all that it has to bring. Do not think of what you need to do, will do, or anything else. Leave your mind blank, just for those few moments. Now in this space, accept where you are in life. Open yourself up to everything around you. Imagine no separateness between you and the rest of the world; feel the connection between the moment you are in and all that is to come. Let go of the thoughts and emotions of yesterday. Let go of tomorrow and what you imagine or feel about it. Instead, be in the moment you are in as you wake up.

Breathe deep and let go; let your body and mind stay relaxed before you pull yourself out of bed. Do not let your mind or your emotions control how you will feel as you start the day. Instead, let yourself be empty; let the day itself be a reflection of how you feel and think. With no thoughts already controlling your mood and no emotions controlling your movements, you can be as you really are. When you do this, not only are you present, but you give yourself the chance to experience the day as it really is. You do not interact with it in the same way as you did yesterday. You do not interact with the day based on thoughts or emotions of the future. You are simply in the moment, free of any control. This intention from the very beginning will help you to stay present throughout the rest of your day. Your body, mind, and emotions will feel relaxed because they are not based on anything yet; you are open and present, free to welcome whatever may be.