So many people ask me about my morning routine, and for a while I would give them the broad strokes: skincare and beauty tips, what I eat, and how I work out. But lately, I’m being asked more and more about my morning routine in the sense of “ritual,” like how I meditate and what I write about in my 5-minute journal. While a big part of that is super personal, because it’s a practice of self-reflection and personal growth, I thought I’d still share some of the basic elements that I practice and have come to integrate into my daily ritual.

The thing about journaling, even if only for 5 minutes a day, is that it’s time that belongs just to you. A little moment in your day to take some distance from the action of life and to just be still with your thoughts. I sometimes write about what I hope and wish for, or a dream I’d like to manifest, kind of the same way people use a vision board. Most of the time, however, I use the time to reflect and grow mindful of every aspect of my life, mind, body and soul.

Just knowing that I am walking toward my little notebook makes me feel lighter. It’s symbolic in that it shows me that I am worth time, I deserve a moment, and I am of value. I love everything that the practice brings to my life. On days when I miss out, I feel it.

I used to have to etch out time in my day to sit quietly and meditate. While that is still true because I’m still learning, I have found that mediation is a practice I can bring with me anywhere, anytime, at any given moment in the day. I can stop, close my eyes and breathe, opening space in my body and releasing tension. That is sometimes all I need to feel centered and grounded again.

Then there are those super intentional meditation sessions where the environment needs to be just right in order to really lend the practice to optimal results. When I go up north, it’s like my sanctuary. Who wouldn’t feel holy and elevated near the water, by the sandy beach, the quiet morning… I mean, it’s transcendental.

I wake up with gratefulness in my heart and the pure joy of knowing that my family is happy and healthy. I never for a moment take that for granted. I light my PALO sticks, prepare my morning tea and fresh berries and I head down the path to the mini bohemian set up I have by the beach (thanks to Boho Lab). I sit, I close my eyes, I reflect, and I welcome the morning sun. I have integrated incredible practices such as the chakra routine from @dockareno, I engage my senses with @doterra balance oils, and most recently, I practice the 5 Tibetan rites. It can be as complex or as simple as I want it to be, depending on the day. How do you practice mindfulness?

Photography by Patricia Brochu