By and large,
The way that we start our day sets the tone for the rest of the day.
All you have to do is sit or lie down comfortably and allow your mind to wander and to wonder.
So let all the tension flow from your body.
Take a deep in-breath and a full out-breath.
Just for today,
Just be mindful of your breath.
Notice the in-breath,
Notice the out-breath.
Most importantly,
Pay attention to the still point between the in and the out,
And the out-breath.
Just for today,
Watch the antics of your mind.
What was the first thought that came along after you awoke?
Where did that thought lead?
Choose tomorrow's first thought wisely.
Just for today,
Be all ears.
Listen for the silence between words.
Notice the gaps between the notes.
Just for today,
Notice what's on your mind.
Observe how it steers you.
And take pleasure in giving it some direction in both senses of that word.
Just for today,
Just be aware of your thoughts.
As each thought comes in,
Ask it,
Who sent it,
For what purpose?
And ask yourself,
What accent it's speaking in.
Just for today,
Vanish all comparison.
What if your life today was actually perfect?
Look at your achievements so far.
Pretty good,
Eh?
And if you had worked even harder on three articles,
I would have changed my life completely.
Can you see that?
Just for today,
Remember that holding anger is like holding a hot cold and not throwing it.
So if you have thoughts of revenge or being wronged,
Just imagine you are standing at the top of a cliff looking out to sea and throw that anger as far away as you can let it sail into the air and drop into the sea.
Just for today,
Jump out of yourself.
Imagine looking down on you and your predicament.
What advice would you give to yourself yesterday,
Knowing what you know today?
Just for today,
Perform a random act of kindness.
And with random acts of kindness,
The first thing is that they must be random.
And also the person who bestows your kindness on may not be the person that returns the kindness to you.
So smile at a stranger,
Let somebody out in traffic,
Open a door for somebody and notice how your random acts of kindness are nicely infectious.
In performing them,
Other people will copy you and pass them on.
Just for today,
Take the weight off your shoulders.
Stand up straight and tall.
Let the world take heed and notice that you are on a mission.
Just for today,
Take a big leap.
Enjoy the view and exhilaration.
Trust that you will land softly and safely.
Just for today,
Be thankful.
Be thankful to Mother Earth for keeping the air that you breathe around you and providing the gravity that sticks you to the planet.
Be thankful for all the gifts and serendipities that come your way.
And be thankful for the amazing experience of being alive and self-aware on planet Earth.
Just for today,
Thank the past for bringing you here.
Be mindful that each day forms tomorrow's past.
What past would you like to remember tomorrow?
Just for today,
Step out of the old dream.
Did you notice your dream wasn't quite manifesting?
That's because a better dream is waiting for you.
Just for today,
Awaken from the waking dream.
Muse on how your awakened self would look at you when you're dreaming.
Now muse on who or what is looking at you right now.
Just for today,
Increase your knowledge.
Learn the meaning of a new word.
Learn a new fact.
Pick up a new skill.
And with what you learn,
Take that newness out into the world and notice how in return that opens new doors and brings new opportunities your way.
Just for today,
Blossom.
Let the sunlight energize your being.
Just for today,
Follow your joy.
Only act if it makes you joyful.
Only share what fills others and you with joy.
Just for today,
Make a change.
Be aware that the only constant is change.
So do something new,
Go somewhere new,
Meet somebody new,
Think something new and allow your world to change as a result.
Just for today,
Let time fly.
So that nothing beats to the second but the thoughts of somebody watching the clock.
Tick tock.
Just for today,
Seek out the unknowable.
Ask yourself questions for which you've always wanted answers.
Meditate for as long as possible and allow the answers in.
Just for today,
Be receptive.
With a quiet mind,
Allow thoughts and feelings to come along.
Make some room for them and welcome them in.
Just for today,
Be open to new possibilities.
As you go about your day,
Be mindful of your thoughts.
Keep a quiet mind and notice the signs and serendipities.
Remember to say thank you when they come along.
If any adversity comes your way,
Say thank you too for bringing you a lesson and the opportunity to grow.
Just for today,
Wipe the slate clean.
Don't reboot but do a full reset.
Just for today,
Stand completely still.
Allow new connections to catch up with you and find you.
These connections might be people or ideas.
Just for today,
See every cloud has a silver lining.
Some are even edged with gold.
Even rain laden clouds bring the essence of life.
Behind each cloud lies a ray of sunshine.
Just for today,
Remember to shine your light.
Leave your mark on the world and leave a breadcrumb trail for others to follow.
Now open your eyes slowly and be mindful,
Timeful and kindful as you go about your day.
