So far, in the other blog posts, we have talked of exercises to try when you are out of the house; what about one to try in the house? Mindfully waking up is a great way to get yourself ready for the day, no matter what you are going to do.
Waking up
Most mornings, we will wake up and be a mess. We’ll more than likely mutter something about needing a coffee. Then we’ll rush about and leave the house flustered. There will be no real goal other than to get to work, and already we’re in a bad mood.
It doesn’t have to be that way.
No, I’m not going to be one of those people that tells you to avoid caffeine as it only…..
I’m going to tell you to wake up mindfully.
Mindful waking up
You need to set a goal. We’ll say an intention if you want to use official mindfulness terminology. You need an intention as we’re trying to give your brain something to grasp consciously. For the majority of us, we will run on autopilot in the morning.
How many times have you got to work and can’t remember how you got there?
Your intention can be anything you want to do that day. It could be to drink more coffee. I can now hear some people at the back frowning as I’m not recommending some amazingly healthy thing to do.
You can obviously pick something super healthy as your intention. I think, though, that to begin with, you are better to pick something small and easy to accomplish and gradually change your lifestyle rather than jumping straight into the deep end.
The exercise
- On waking, sit upright. You can move to a chair for this or do it in your bed. The important thing is to make sure you’re sitting upright.
- Take three deep breaths. Do so by breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth. Then let your body dictate your breathing rate as you notice the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe.
- “What is my intention today?” Use this moment to consider the people and activities that you will see today. There are a few standard mindfulness questions you can ask yourself here and I’ve included them below.
- Set your intention. Set whatever you feel is important to you. Remember and start small and grow from there. It could be as simple as trying to ride more.
- Visit your intention during the day. Take a moment, concentrate on your breathing, and think about your intention. Did you accomplish it? Are you working towards it? As the days go on, you’ll discover you become more conscious of your intentions.
What is my intention?
As I said above, a standard set of mindfulness questions is used when considering your intention.
How might I show up today to have the best impact?
What quality of mind do I want to strengthen and develop?
What do I need to take better care of myself?
During difficult moments, how might I be more compassionate to others and myself?
How might I feel more connected and fulfilled?
Use these to guide yourself.
There are also a standard set of intentions, if you need some help to get started.
Today I will be kind to myself.
Today I will be patient with others.
Today I will stay grounded.
Today I will exercise.
Today I will eat well.
Today I will have fun.
BMX specific examples
Okay, so my jazz is to make mindfulness and BMX collide. Not in messy planets colliding with each other way but more of a strawberry jam and Greek yoghurt style of collision.
Consider your intention.
How might I link up those ledges?
How do I over come my fear of…
What do I need to do to build mental resilience?
How do I keep frustration at a trick down?
Your intention could be.
Today I will clear those doubles.
Today I will not throw my bike.
Today I will land …
Mindful BMX 
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