3 Helpful Things I Do Daily

Morning rituals are all the hype these days; some may find them to be a bit overstated, and that is fair. But I’d like to share three that I in particular find incredibly helpful.

1. Meditation (Vipassana)

   This daily (ideally twice a day) practice of sitting for an hour helps me be better equipped to find balance as I encounter everything out there and in here (myself). It’s no doubt the best thing I do for myself and also for others because it helps me show up as a better friend, son, brother, and partner.

2. Yoga (Ashtanga)

   There’s something about yoga that just works. I’ve been practicing with these old videos from David Swenson for many years now, and I always finish the practice feeling more present and inspired. It not only relaxes me but energizes me and helps me feel better in my body. I love exploring many forms of fitness, but yoga has been special in the way it works the body and the mind.

3. Morning Pages

   This is a newer addition to my routine inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way. It’s a writing practice but it’s more than that. She recommends three pages, but on my little e-ink tablet I make it five. It’s a place for me to share anything on my mind, a brain dump of sorts, just writing whatever comes to mind without care for a particular purpose. Although honestly, full scripts for videos or posts (like this newsletter) will often flow through. It’s also a space for reflection and affirmations. It’s harder for me to describe how it helps me, but I’m certain it does. I often feel a greater sense of ease, clarity, and inspiration afterwards.
   
   So those are my daily three. The first two have been fundamental to my sanity for over a decade, and the newer one has been powerful in driving my sense of purpose, joy, confidence and motivation. There are times when I’ve fallen off each a bit, but each time I’m reminded of the value I’m missing.

   
   I’m curious to hear daily habits you find particularly helpful. Are you consistent with them? Do you wish to be? How do they benefit you?
   
   Wishing you well and a happy weekend,

   Naser