Every morning BEFORE getting out of bed, try setting an intention for your day. I like to think of intentions as Jack Kornfield describes them; as a way to “set the compass of your heart”. In other words, it’s deciding what is most deeply important to you, and making a daily commitment to have your thoughts, words and actions aimed towards that direction. For me, a morning intention could be as simple as “May I treat everyone with kindness today” or “I vow to be present when I am with my family”.

More recently, I have been repeating the below short meditation poem by renowned mindfulness teacher, Thich Nhat Hanh. I have found that it helps frame my day on a more positive note and reminds me to start my morning slowly, rather than jumping right onto my phone or computer the moment I wake up.

When we start our day with setting our minds and hearts towards what we care most deeply about, it can help set the stage for a day that feels on purpose and focused.

Try setting an intention for your day starting tomorrow! You can repeat the poem I use (see below), or come up with your own. What matters is that you recognize a vision for yourself and that you make a commitment towards that vision.

A Morning Meditation Poem

Waking up this morning I smile

knowing there are 24 brand new hours before me.

I vow to live fully in each moment

and look at beings with eyes of compassion

-Thich Nhat Hanh