Morning Shorties

I’ve plugged in my favorite meditation from my playlist or YouTube for my time of self-reflection and peaceful thoughts. I’ve practiced my diaphragmatic breathing many times, trying to slow both my breath and my heartbeat. I’m imagining a peaceful scene, something soothing and relaxing. So why aren’t I relaxed and ready to meditate? In spite of all my best preparations, I feel restless and twitchy. My feet are moving anxiously and the muscles in my shoulders are bunched up, almost uncomfortable. My neck is tight and stiff and my mind is wandering all over the place.

My to do list crops up, item by item. I could be loading the dishwasher and cleaning the sink. My file cabinet needs sorting and emptying and the dining room table is a mess. I should at least be doing a load of laundry while I’m sitting here. What’s an enlightened person supposed to do?

Well, sometimes there’s just no hope for it. This might be the time to temporarily give in to outer and inner circumstances. The morning meditation that we had so carefully planned might be out the window for now. But here’s the thing: nobody said we can’t meditate at night or anytime in between. When the kids have gone to bed, the dishes are done and the file cabinet has been given a time bracket on next week’s schedule, we can try again. This time, our meditative practice might not be as carefully orchestrated, but it can be just as effective. Particularly when we’re thinking about the things we are grateful for, or praying for others in need, a few deep breaths can get us to where we want to be in our search for a quiet communion with Source.

Sometimes we get a little obsessive about meditating and praying in the morning, and sometimes we feel like we need a special morning “spiritual fix.” But when the quiet time is eluding us, we can always read something from an inspirational book or listen to a personal growth session from one of our play lists. As long as we stay focused on our spiritual or personal growth, and don’t slide over into face book marketplace or funny animal shorts on TikTok, we’ll be doing well. An affirmation or two can round out our preparation for the day, along with some gratitude and prayers for good measure.

Here are a couple of examples of “Morning Shorties.”

A short prayer for Inner Peace: I allow myself to slip into the sacred light of Divine Source Energy. Comforted by the knowledge that I am immersed in healing and goodness, I feel the warmth and peace of the all-encompassing light. I carry this sense of peace, comfort and Love throughout my day (or my afternoon, or my evening) knowing that the Light of Life is always with me.

Affirmation: I AM peace, light and Love.

Affirmation: I now affirm that Infinite Source is the only supply of every good thing that is in my life and in the world.

Affirmation: I affirm that when I feel unworthy to receive my good, I am always filled with the Holy Spirit.

Affirmation: I AM the Light of Divine Source Energy, and throughout my day, I express in human form.

I now allow, acknowledge, accept and affirm that these things are so.