Rising Rituals to Jump Start Your Energy in the Morning

Rising Rituals to Jump Start Your Energy in the Morning

Rising Rituals to Jump Start Your Energy in the Morning

Imagine this; you wake up to the sound of your beeping alarm. You try to open your eyes but they feel so heavy and you just want to crawl under your sheets. You force yourself to stand up, brush your teeth and get ready for the day. The rest of the day you feel like the only thing you look forward to is going home and back to sleep. We rounded up the best rising rituals to jump start your morning so you never have to feel like this again.

      Inspired by the holistic traditions of Ayurveda, these rising rituals will not only leave you with much more life force energy for the day, but shift your mental state as well.

The Best Rising Rituals for Your Energy

We have gathered a combination of mental and physical aspects to incorporate into your rising routine in order to elevate your life force energy.

“Win the morning, win the day”

Tim Ferris

1.) Stretch Upon Waking

Strecthing upon waking will allow your muscles in your body to become less tense from your deep sleep. We recommend targeting each body part individually; for example starting with your neck and working down to your legs.

 

2.) Drink Water for Gut Health

Starting off with a glass of water hydrates you as well as supports a healthy gut. Good bacteria are collected on the tongue as you sleep. Washing them down with water allows them to enter the gut and flourish.

 

3.) Pranayama Breathwork

This kind of breathwork is widely known for clearing the mind, purging the body of carbon dioxide, strengthening your lungs, and signaling your brain to calm down. Incorporating this into your morning routine will make the rest of your day easier to handle.

 

4.) Energy Strengthening Beverage

Make a cup of this Ayurvedic recipe from The Fruits and Seeds to feel energized and glowing throughout your day.

  • soak 7 almonds overnight in clean water
  • in the morning, remove almond skins
  • add to blender with water or pure raw milk, dates, cardamom powder, ginger powder, and 1 tsp. of grass-fed ghee
  • blend and enjoy!

 

5.) Earthing

If you can, try to spend at least 5 minutes outside with bare skin on the earth. This allows for the absorbtion of millions of electrons into the body. The Earth is negatively charged, so when it emits negative electrons and ions, it allows our bodies to detoxify free radicals, heavy metals, air pollution, and more.

rising rituals earthing

How to Get Started On Your Journaling Journey

How to Get Started On Your Journaling Journey

In 2015 I did a 30-day love challenge found on an email which consists of writing three words of what you love each day. The concept was meant for journaling and it was my first time journaling. Without knowing what will come from it, I created a beautiful and positive mindset of my life and my soul. 

The Journaling Challenge

Out of 30 days, I had one bad day. So as the challenge ended, I challenged myself. Do 100 more days of the love challenge with up to three words each day. It became a goal each day, not a chore. As the 100 days were nearing, I looked back on all the days with laughter and smiles.

During the 100 days, without any knowledge, I was forming a new project. Those words each day would be gathered into a list for subjects for my personal projects – photography, painting, design, etc. I still have the list and look at it monthly. Writing became a creative outlet to recess stress and put passion onto paper. It is not a career change. 

journal and coffee on table

New Beginnings for 2021

During the quarantine of 2020, writing powerful thoughts of experience and creative ideas was a fulfillment for me the whole year.

Not one to make resolutions? Not one to be focused on that 5 year or 10 year plan? Same here. I got plans but redirect and refocus are possible for a better self. Change is hard. 2020 hit hard. As another year ended, a new year started with fresh beginnings and a beautiful outlook.

Ways to start your Journaling Journey

 

Getting started on your journaling journey can be confusing or even scary. Here are some ways to get the ball rolling.

1.) Purchase a new pen and new notebook

A fresh start begins with happy items. There are lots of fun journals in the market so choose your liking – blank pages, pages with lines, pages with quotes and colors.

2.) Look into a 30-day writing challenge

There will be a lot of information so if you get overwhelmed, put a focus on one topic or write from the heart. Grab some tea or drink of choice to further focus on your goal. There are so many writing challenges out there, just find one that sounds interesting to you.

3.) Plan a schedule

It is important to note that things can change and will change often. Work around your schedule to make sure you hold yourself accountable.

4.) Give yourself a deadline

Most challenges have a deadline for the day. You can follow it or adjust it for yourself. I schedule a monthly note to check the list. This is mainly to add to the list but sometimes it is just for inspiration.

5.) See the beauty of progress after weeks or months

Journaling has helped take all the sadness away and place happiness back in my soul. All within one page of a notebook. Personal projects have given me a way to express myself and think outside the box within my opportunities. Give it a try and happy writing! 

The Best Morning Routine to Set You Up for Success

The Best Morning Routine to Set You Up for Success

Always wake up feeling groggy, foggy, and slumped? Does it take more than five minutes for you to finally get your feet on the ground? Do you walk to the bathroom like a zombie out of one of those apocalypse movies? If so, prepare to kiss that groggy you goodbye. Here is the best morning routine to set your day up for success. Get ready to feel high on life.

What is the Best Morning Routine?

All your life you’ve dreaded getting up in the morning. The hell-bending moment your alarm clock goes off and echoes in your dreams. You wake up with a jolt. “What day is it? Crap, am I late for something? What year is it? Did the aliens take over yet?” Then you proceed the rest of your morning running around your house like a chicken with its head cut off rushing to get ready.

So what is the ideal morning routine that won’t leave you feeling rushed, groggy, or out-of-it? Well, it all starts with how you get up.

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1.) Wake up with time to chill tf out!

ocean sunrise

The “expert early birds” always say how you start your morning is everything. So let’s take that into consideration people! If you start your morning feeling rushed and hectic that is 100% how the rest of your day will feel. No matter what.

In order to provide enough time to chill out in the morning aim for waking up before or as the sun rises. According to Ayurvedic philosophy, we actually gain energy as the sun rises.

Rising when the sun does provides us enough time to be in a calm state before the hustle of the day begins. Brew some tea or coffee and go sit outside and watch the sunrise.

Takeaway: Take in the calmness of the morning

2.) Have a glass of lemon water

Due to us being unconscious for a solid 7-8 hours (hopefully, you’re getting this much sleep), our bodies are quite dehydrated when we wake up. Feeling dehydrated leaves us performing at low capacity. Not to mention our bodies are deprived of essential lubrication to joints and muscles.

Start the morning off by drinking a glass of room temperature lemon water. Ayurvedic philosophy states we should avoid consuming cold water. In doing so, we are causing our body to work harder to increase the temperature of the water. This results in unwanted loss of energy. We don’t need any more loss of energy than we already might have!

Adding a slice of lemon or two in your water will stimulate enzyme function leading to stimulated liver function. This stimulation results in toxins being flushed from your system. What a great way to start the day…good riddance nasty toxins!

Takeaway: Lemon stimulates liver function, flushing toxins from your system

3.) Move your body

move your body morning routine

You’ve probably heard this millions of times, but I’m here to tell you again. Move your body! Now let me be clear, this doesn’t mean you have to get up and run five miles.

Something as simple as just going for a quick five-minute walk or doing some easy stretches. Just something to wake up all your muscles in your body.

Exercise releases the hormone Epinephrine (also known as adrenaline) into your bloodstream. This increases your heart rate and allows for more blood to flow to your heart. More blood flow means a larger amount of oxygen is being delivered to your muscles.

Takeaway: Exercise releases Epinephrine providing more oxygen to your muscles

4.) Fuel your body with nutrients

nutritious breakfast

Breakfast is such an important part of your day. It provides our bodies with calories and energy we will need in order to have a successful day. A study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology states skipping breakfast is tied to a greater risk of heart-related death.

What you consume at the start of your day plays a major role in how you feel. Start your day by consuming healthy breakfast foods that will provide you with essential nutrients such as fruits, vegetables, grains, or legumes. You can also take natural supplements or vitamins to give your body some extra fuel.

cayenne ginger lemonade recipe

This anti-oxidant rich, immune-boosting, and blood purifying Cayenne Ginger Lemonade is my go-to wake me up juice. It awakens my senses and leaves me feeling energized.

Takeaway: Fuel your body with nutrients

5.) Rejuvenate yourself

rejuvenate white towel

After a sweaty workout or quick walk, your body needs some rejuvenation. Time for some morning self-care! Try taking a cold shower to reduce inflammatory pain and stimulate circulation.

After your shower, top off your morning rejuvenation with a quick face steamer sesh. Steaming your face will open pores and allow any serums or lotions to penetrate at a deeper layer. This evens complexion and brings out your glow.

Below we’ve attached our #1 recommended and affordable face steamer.

Takeaway: Cleanse your body and energy

6.) Dress for success

dress for success

So far you’ve taken time to chill out, cleansed your internals of toxins, awakened your physical body, fueled up with nutrients, and rejuvenated yourself. Almsot done! Now its time to dress like you’re going to take over the day. Watch out world here you come.

Through on an outfit that makes you feel good. It could be leggings and a crop top, jeans and a blouse, or even an over sized tee and sport shorts. Whatever makes you feel confident, put it on. When we feel good we are more likely to do good!

Takeaway: Use confidence to empower you

7.) Make your bed

make your bed morning routine

Believe it or not, making your bed is a crucial part of the best morning routine. Its a simple act that kicks your day off with the accomplishment of a task.

In a Youtube video, Navy Seal Adm. McRaven shares the importance of making your bed every day. He says, “If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day”.

Takeaway: Don’t be lazy…make your bed

8.) Organize for success

organize for success

If you obsess over perfection and organization, this one is for you. If not, this one is still for you because it will change your life.

In order to have a productive and successful day, we must plan for it. Having a general direction of what you want to accomplish and get done will help you achieve anything you desire.

Google Calendar and Calendly are two trending scheduling apps used for time management and planning. Aim for planning out your whole day including any daily tasks, meetings, grocery store stops, or relaxing moments. This will keep you on track throughout the day.

Takeaway: Utilize schedule/time management apps

9.) Set 3 achievable goals

set goals morning routine

Traditional goal setting is great and all. But what good is a goal that isn’t achievable? Setting three achievable goals for the day holds you accountable to accomplishing each one.

These three goals can range from personal goals to wellness goals to business goals. Maybe you want to speak only words of kindness all day. Maybe you want to only consume healing foods for the day. Maybe you want to network with minimum 50 people to grow your business.

The possibilities are endless! Just choose three you know you can achieve today.

Takeaway: Hold yourself accountable

10.) Flow through the day with gratitude

high vibes morning routine

Congrats, you are officially ready to take on the day! Your mind-body connection is thriving and you are ready to handle anything the world throws at you today.

Remember to remain grateful for this beautiful morning and remaining hours you get to experience. Each day is truly a blessing, so flow through the day with gratitude. Keep the vibes high.

The Importance of Self-Study: Svadhyaya

The Importance of Self-Study: Svadhyaya

In Sanskrit (the ancient language of India), Svadhyaya directly translates to one’s self-study. ‘Sva‘ meaning self and ‘adhyaya‘ meaning lesson or reading. Svadhyaya has roots in Hinduism and is common in the practice of yoga. Svadhyaya allows us to deeply connect with ourselves internally and understand our needs better. Understanding our own needs emphasizes the importance of self-study in our daily lives.

Contrary to common thought, self-study can be used in everyday life, not just in yoga. You do not have to be a professional yogi to indulge in Svadhyaya.

The Breakdown of Self-Study

Svadhyaya requires us to be fully present and conscious in all the decisions we make throughout the day. Whether applying this concept on or off the mat, here are some crucial things to consider.

This is the art of Svadhyaya. Looking within and reflecting on what messages our body is sending us.

On the Mat

girls on yoga mat Svadhyaya

If you apply Svadhyaya to your yoga practice, focus on clearing the mind and turning your attention inward rather than outward (pratyahara).

Our habits on the mat tend to reflect daily habits as well. The way we practice yoga is a direct reflection of the way we “practice life”. Your physical yoga practice also reveals much more about you than you would expect.

When you are on the mat, there is nothing to distract you. No phones, things to do, emails to respond to, or calls to answer…it’s just you, your mind, and your body. This, fortunately, requires you to pay great attention to the way your mind and body feel as you flow through your practice. In doing so, problematic areas can be revealed to heal.

Breathe Through Your Practice

The way you breathe in your practice reflects how you are mentally and physically. Short shallow breaths reflect tension and stress meaning you could be worried about something unconsciously.

If you taking short shallow breaths, ask yourself why? Do you need to be stressed about something? Are you physically exerting yourself in any part of your daily routine? This is the beauty of Svadhyaya. Looking within and reflecting on what messages your body is sending you.

Survey Tension in Your Body

We tend to hold tension in our neck, shoulders, and upper back. This tension is a direct physical result of worries, fear, and stress.

If you feel this tension in your body dedicate your practice to moving to release the worries and stress associated with the tension.

Evaluate Your Thoughts

Since the mat may be the only time you can get with yourself, your mind may be racing with thoughts. Acknowledge each and every thought, and analyze what they may mean to you.

Your thoughts allow you to become aware of various aspects of your daily well being.

Throughout your practice, decide which thoughts no longer serve you. Move in a way in which these thoughts can leave your mind and physical body.

Svadhyaya in Everyday Life

svadhyaya in everyday life

Svadhyaya in every day life can be important when it comes to understanding your true Self. Awareness off the mat and into your habits is required to do so.

Remaining fully present and paying attention to your thoughts, actions, and habits will strengthen your understanding of yourself.

Thoughts become words, words become actions, actions become your character, and your character becomes your destiny. This is why it is essential to understand what is going on in your mind.

Observing and analyzing our own thoughts and habits can provide a way to disassociate our ego-based actions from our true Self. In doing so, we can improve our overall well being.

Applying Svadhyaya in Your Life

If you wish to learn more about yourself, start by observing yourself as if you were someone else. Observe the way you react to things, how you spend your free time, how you walk, how you talk, how you treat people, and why.

Being honest with yourself is a key principle in svadhyaya. Sometimes we may not like to admit to ourselves egotistical flaws, or errors we make. Honesty allows us to avoid the ego and take ownership of our actions.

We must view ourselves without criticism or judgement. Allow yourself to acknowledge what you observe, and be grateful that you know have the potential to alter that.

Healing Yourself Heals Others

Taking the time to heal and observe yourself not only affects you, but the whole collective conscious. Growing from the inside out allows us to become more aware of ourselves and others.

 “We are not the only ones affected by our recovery. The spiritual awakening heals the world one person at a time.”

Marta Mrotek

Please share this article if you feel it could help others you know.

7 Essential Steps to Reaching Your Goals

7 Essential Steps to Reaching Your Goals

Everyone has goals, whether they be small or big. The real question is who will actually reach these goals? The answer is the people who implement these 7 essential steps to reaching your goals.

7 Essential Steps

1.) Walk the walk

People LOVE to talk the talk but no one seems to like to walk the walk. Its quite simple to talk about how successful you’re going to be in something, but what are you going to actually do to get there? Nothing is going to come to you if you sit on your ass and wait for it. Shut your mouth and actually execute.

2.) Set goals that seem unrealistic to you

Wait what? Yeah that’s right, think of your biggest and most INSANE dream you have. Stop allowing yourself to dream small and start dreaming big.

3.) Eliminate distractions

Oh yes, the root of all evil…distractions. Be conscious of what is directing your focus away from your goals and do everything you can to avoid it, whatever it may be.

4.) NO EXCUSES

Excuses are just the lazy persons way out of something. Don’t be a lazy ass. If you want it, you’ll work for it no matter what. If you find excuses, then you don’t truly want it. Its that simple.

5.) Cut out the toxicity

This one’s simple. Eliminate all things whether they be bad habits, bad people, or bad places that create a road block on your path to SUCCESS. Surround yourself with people and things that benefit you.

6.) Fall in love with losing

When you loose or go through hard times, you can use that to your advantage. You can either sit in the dark and be upset about your loss, or you can use it as a fire under your ass to push you to do better. Never give up, no matter how hard it gets.

7.) Push yourself, but not too hard

Last but not least, the most important aspect is asserting balance. Work hard for your goals, but don’t exhaust yourself to the point where you no longer have motivation. If we run ourselves into the ground, it then becomes even harder to make a comeback.


You are the only person who can stop yourself from reaching your goals. If not now, then when? Imagine the results you could get if you stuck with your plan for 12 months. When’s the last time you stuck with something for 18 months or more? Ask yourself that. You got this shit. Follow these 7 essential steps to reaching your goals, and you will be so closer than you ever thought you would be.

Books That Will Leave You Feeling Empowered

Books That Will Leave You Feeling Empowered

I know most people in this generation of technology aren’t even reading books anymore, let’s face it. Most of you will probably just skim through this article because you’re too lazy to read every single part. It’s a sad reality. Whether it be because “if you read books you’re a nerd” or you’re “just too lazy”, books contain knowledge…and knowledge is power. So would you really be complaining about becoming powerful? I didn’t think so. Here I will talk about 6 books that will leave you feeling empowered and ready to take on the world physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Knowledge is power people. Utilize it. If you have time to stalk your ex on Instagram, you have time to read a book.

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The Most Impactful Books I’ve Read

1.) Crushing It!

crushing it by Gary vee

This will forever be my favorite book to ever exist. I literally get chills when I read it. It is intended for more of an entrepreneurial audience, but I think this book has MAJOR potential in helping people change their mindset for the better.

World-famous entrepreneur Gary Vee talks about what it takes to really accomplish goals and how nothing will come to you if you just sit on your ass and do nothing. This book has motivated me in SO many ways and sparked my creative passion.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • motivation
  • hope
  • inspiration
  • personal development suggestions
  • a plan
  • a fire in your soul
  • strategy

2.) Gaia Speaks Sacred Earth Wisdom

Gaia speaks sacred earth wisdom book

To all my homies out there who want to dig deeper than just the surface of our physical existence, this is for you.

I can’t even begin to describe how much this book has changed my perspective of our very existence. Pepper Lewis, the amazing author, speaks in regards to Gaia or “Earth” and the connected interactions we as humans experience with our planet on an everyday basis.

As well as regards to our planet Earth, Lewis also speaks of deep soul wisdom we can utilize to become more awakened and in tune with ourselves. After reading this book, I had a higher awareness. The best part is each chapter is a different section on a topic. You could skip to chapter 20 then go back to chapter 10 if you wanted.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • insight
  • spiritual power
  • wisdom
  • a feeling of connection
  • a sense of why you’re here
  • awareness

3.) The Four Agreements

the four agreements book

Ah yes, the Four Agreements. Personally also one of my ALL TIME FAVORITE books I have stumbled across. I love this book so much that I am actually starting a trend where I send it to someone who could benefit, then they read it and send it to someone, then they send it to someone and so on.

The Four Agreements is a book based on ancient Toltec wisdom by Don Miguel Ruiz. Essentially Ruiz discusses how each soul has agreements we make with ourselves at a very young age that shape who we are and our personality.

These agreements more often than not serve as sources of self-limiting beliefs that create thoughts of doubt and suffering. Ruiz tells us the Four basic agreements we should cement into our mind in order to break the restraints of self-limiting beliefs and live our lives in pure bliss and abundance. This book will leave you feeling more spiritually and philosophically empowered than most.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • confidence
  • happiness
  • a sense of peace and tranquility
  • wisdom
  • mental bliss

4.) Soul’s Divine Journey

soul's divine journey book

I would say this book is for any audience, religious or not. Sri Gary Oleson talks about the value each path and practice has in life and spiritual liberation (self-realization). There is a deeper meaning in our lives and our soul’s journey throughout our physical lifetime, and that is what Oleson has come here to discuss.

Using the wisdom of the Light and Sound teachings, he speaks about your soul’s evolution over time and the path to self-realization. After reading this, I felt more of a sense of why I am here.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • a sense of direction
  • insight
  • higher thinking
  • deeper understandings

5.) The Tipping Point

the tipping point book

I would say this book teaches you something a person or education system could never teach you. Malcolm Gladwell discusses the principles of the “tipping point”, essentially the point at which a trend, behavior, or idea crosses a threshold and spreads like wildfire.

Many real-life examples are given allowing you to better understand the concept. The concept of the tipping point can be used in many aspects of life. I found MORE than one aspect in my life this topic related to and have been striving to reach for that tipping point.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • ways to utilize your resources to your advantage
  • ideas on how to go from 0 to 100
  • awareness of how you can create more support for small businesses
  • hope

6.) Think and Grow Rich

think and grow rich book

An all-time classic by Napoleon Hill. This book is based on Hill’s Laws of Success philosophy which he worked his entire lifetime to produce. I think this is the #1 book that will leave you feeling empowered.

Using legendary examples of successful millionaires such as Henry Ford, Thomas Edison, and Andrew Carnegie, he highlights the fundamental idea that riches are in fact NOT difficult to obtain. Everything starts with a mindset that allows you to attract what you please in your life. You simply just have to learn to use it.

This classic brings you spiritual and monetary wisdom that could bring you a fortune and completely change your mindset and life. Below I attached an excerpt from the summary from the website I bought this book off of.

Source: Thriftbooks.com

If you don’t ever read this book in your life, you are missing out on many opportunities to grow.

This book will give you:

  • KNOWLEDGE
  • spiritual wisdom
  • feelings of how to achieve success
  • determination
  • money mindset
  • information on the law of vibration and attraction

All in all each book will at least give you knowledge. So why not leverage that for your own benefit? These are my top recommendations of books that will leave you feeling empowered. Watch out world, here you come.