Morning Routine and Hugging Tree
November 2024I’ve always been searching for the “perfect” morning routine—just like so many of us do. You know, the usual: what time to wake up, what to eat, how long to meditate, the latest productivity hacks, the perfect coffee ritual, getting into that optimal flow state…
But recently, more than one friend shared how their grounding practices energized them like nothing else. It got me curious, so I decided to give it a try myself. Now, every morning, I walk barefoot on the grass and hug a tree near my home. And let me tell you, this simple act has connected me to the earth in a way that has completely shifted my energy and set me up for a predictably successful day. It’s given me an insight I feel compelled to share.
What if, you just took a moment to connect with the earth in whatever way is available to you? Maybe step outside if you can and feel the ground beneath your bare feet, hug a tree if you can find one, sit on your balcony or by an open window, or just close your eyes and visualize yourself in a peaceful natural setting physically connecting to the earth or swimming in the ocean.
If you let yourself, you’ll start to feel the “source energy” of the earth. Whether it's through the grass, the ground beneath you, or simply visualizing yourself surrounded by nature—you'll feel that connection. In that moment, you realize you’re not just part of nature, you “are” the universe. You’re a tiny speck, and yet your out-breath becomes the tree’s in-breath, and in that exchange, you and nature are one.
And after you finish this moment of connection, think of the people you love. Let that love fill up every single cell of your being. Say thank you to the earth, to the air, to the water you drink, and to the people you care about.
Then, as you start your day, remind yourself that you’re exactly where you “choose” to be. You’re not stuck in a rat race—you have a choice. You choose to be happy and productive. You choose to be kind because you can’t help it when every part of you is filled with love and connection.
Before the day takes over, call or text your spouse, your kids, your parents, or that person you can’t stop thinking about. Tell them you love them. And if they’re not reachable, just send it with your heart and trust they’ll feel it.
During the day, when you feel you need a refill of that energy, close your eyes and feel the connection again.
Congratulations—you’re having a really good day. And no matter what happens during the day, you remain in love with life.
The photo - happy me - hugging a thousand-year-old tree in São Miguel Island of Azores.
