(ThyBlackMan.com) How do we prepare for tomorrow? Most would say, “Take care of tomorrow on tomorrow!” I say, though, that tomorrow begins today! In fact, condition your tomorrow tonight, as you prepare for slumber.
Most coaching pedigrees emphasize the importance of prioritizing your day first thing in the morning. I suggest that you can prepare for the day ahead before you climb into bed tonight by conditioning your mind via a pre-bedtime regimen. What’s the point? You will get a head start on your day; you will move through your day focused and you will ward off negativity. In short, you will intention your day.
Studies show that a combination of meditation, reading and journaling – or some mix of positive, nightly techniques – actually do much to help one sleep better. In addition, these activities tend to accentuate positivity, relieve blood pressure and treat mild symptoms of depression.
The result is one awakens the next morning feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day’s challenges.
Follow this four-step regimen to condition your tomorrow and wake up feeling refreshed and invigorated!
Read a Verse from Holy Scripture
The first step in conditioning your tomorrow is to read a verse (or two) from Holy Scripture. I suggest a few verses from portions of the Psalms commonly referred to as ‘Thanksgiving Psalms’, the idea being to ingratiate your spirit with gratitude and thankfulness. One of my favorite Thanksgiving Psalms is the thirty-fourth number, verse one: I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Reading a praise Psalms over and over and then reflecting on how much you have to be grateful for is a great way to condition your tomorrow.
Sit in the Silence
The second step in conditioning your tomorrow is to sit in the Silence. I have written extensively about the benefits of sitting in the Silence, how this simple yet powerful tool can do much to inspire one to live with a degree peace and serenity.
The Silence is the ultimate mental detox; it’s a great way to relax and cleanse oneself of the mental toxins collected throughout the day. Find a comfortable place where you will be undisturbed. Turn off your phone, television and all electronic devices. Sit still for ten minutes. Don’t worry about thoughts racing through your mind. Just relax and focus on your breathing.
When you sit in Silence you establish a equilibrium and centeredness that is unmatched by any other effort.
Recite a Mantra
The third step in conditioning your tomorrow is to write and recite a mantra. A mantra is an often-repeated statement or slogan often repeated. The purpose of a mantra is to enhance one’s positivity and aid one in meditation and concentration.
A mantra usually begins with the words ‘I am’; these two words are the most powerful in the success principle lexicon; they go a long way toward establishing your reason for being and dictating your purpose on this planet. Use this mantra:
I am whole, perfect, strong, powerful, loving, harmonious and happy.
Repeat the above mantra twenty-one times with a sense of feeling and belief. Feel and pronounce each word of the mantra as if it is part of your present being and experience.
Journal a ‘Tweet” Entry
The final step in conditioning your tomorrow is journal a ‘tweet’ entry. Journaling is a very powerful therapeutic tool. Use a journal to notate your day and forecast your tomorrow. Here’s the key: keep your entry short, preferably no longer than the one hundred and forty characters you’d use to tweet. Like mantra, short journal entries serve to keep your attention focused on an attitude of gratitude. Your journal entries may even serve as a source for mantras that you can read and or recite throughout your day.
If you want to awaken the tomorrow morning feeling invigorated and energetic, condition your tomorrow tonight!
Staff Writer; W. Eric Croomes
This talented brother is a holistic lifestyle exercise expert and founder and executive coach of Infinite Strategies LLC, a multi-level coaching firm that develops and executes strategies for fitness training, youth achievement and lifestyle management. Eric is an author, fitness professional, holistic life coach and motivational speaker.
In October 2015, Eric released Life’s A Gym: Seven Fitness Principles to Get the Best of Both, which shows readers how to use exercise to attract a feeling of wellness, success and freedom (Infinite Strategies Coaching LLC, 2015) – http://www.infinitestrategiescoaching.com.