At First Light

In the morning a man walks with his whole body; in the evening, only with his legs. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

I’ve often heard that how we spend the first few hours of the day can change our lives.

I’ve seen it in my own life. My energy and attention are limited, and the morning hours are when I have the most of both. Yet like most other people, mornings can be the busiest time of the day and—more importantly—when temptations and distractions are easiest to succumb to. This took me decades to learn. I’m still learning it, each day.

So, despite the distractions, the ordinary demands of life, and the pressure to be ‘productive’ and ‘get things done’ in the morning, I try to practice a morning ritual that acknowledges that limited energy and attention:

I’m up early (5-6am) before my family. I sit quietly and take about 30 deep, slow breaths. I recite a short, simple statement about the person I want to be, and what I will do today to practice being that person. I drink some coffee, do a set of stretches, and shower. No devices, no social media, nothing.

Then, after the family gets ready for the day and we go our separate ways, I write briefly (~5 minutes) about what I’m grateful for and what would make the day great. Still no todo lists, email, or social media yet.

And then, to work.

Keep in mind this took me years to work out, and it’s still evolving. The core of all this is mindfulness, of course; being aware of who I am, what I’m doing, and where my energy and attention are going. And more practically, being protective of that first hour or two of the day.

But this is not a message about productivity, or what’s best for you. Please don’t try to be productive; that’s just measurement and the purpose of life is not to measure it.

Instead, try this: just start by being mindful each day of who you are, who you want to be, and where you’re spending your energy and attention. No self-judgment, no anxiety—each day, just start by being aware.

Then, take one small step. Adjust. Then another.