the simple daily practice that changes your life.

This morning I woke up at 6:45 am with the intention of attending a live guided meditation in the West Village. Yet, when my alarm started singing, I snoozed it three times. I felt groggy, it was still semi-dark out, and I was oh-so-cozy in my bed.  Ugh. I don’t want to get up. I don’t want to go to this meditation class. I’m too tired. I don’t feel well. Wah. 

All of the reasons why I shouldn’t get up stacked on top of each other quickly.

Yet, I had already paid $20 and I had been really excited to go, especially since Elena Brower was going to be leading it. So at 7:15, I chose to go for it anyway. I brushed my teeth, got dressed, and headed out the door in 15 minutes. I rode the 1 train down to 14th street and walked to 353 West 12th where “The Path” meditation series was being held.

As I set foot into the big, warm room filled to the brim with people sitting on small round cushions, I felt my energy rise. As I peeled off my layers–coat, gloves, hat, shoes–I found an open cushion and claimed it. My seat sank into it comfortably, my legs crossed in front of me, and my spine felt tall and long.

Clearly this was the right decision.

Elena began by having us close our eyes. There were 4 meditation practices she was going to walk us through in an hour: breath of fire to energize us, feeling the breath move in and out of our nostrils to bring mindfulness, internally reciting the mantra “So Hum,” and practicing inner and outer compassion. As we completed the breath of fire, I could feel my energy buzzing awake. As we focused on the sensation of air moving in and out of our nostrils, I calmed down and became more present. As I silently repeated the mantra, my focus turned inward. And as I wished myself and others this loving prayer, I felt so grateful to be there.

May you live safely. May you be happy. May you be healthy. May you live with ease.

Beginning the day by not only centering ourselves, but also with a reminder to be kind and compassionate is powerful. It sets the tone for the entire day ahead. We are both kinder to ourselves and kinder to others, and that makes things better for everyone we come in contact with.

Whether we realize it or not, the way we respond to every situation sets off a ripple effect of feelings and reactions. For example, someone could be having the worst day of all time, but because you complimented their outfit, they feel 10 times better. Or someone could be having a great day, but because you yelled at them on the subway for bumping into you, they feel shitty. And the next person they come in contact with is more likely to be the recipient of anger as well.

Do you see how everything we do actually matters a whole lot? Choosing to be kind and compassionate over and over again ensures that your daily interactions are actually helping to boost the energy around you instead of pulling it down. We are all sensitive, emotional beings no matter how tough our outer masks may be. Inside, we’re all the same and we all want love and respect. It isn’t easy to honor this truth in every moment, but we can set the intention to try every day.

Just as I committed to getting out of bed to go meditate, we can all commit to being kind even when we don’t feel like it and even when everything inside of us would rather be a bitch. It takes practice, but eventually we will see with more compassionate eyes and respond with more compassionate actions.

So this week, intend on being kind and being a source of positive, uplifting energy. You will not only feel more empowered, but you will begin to see the humanness in everyone that surrounds you.

As Gabby Bernstein would say, “Be the light.”

This practice isn’t an easy one. I’d love to hear what’s most challenging about it for you. Please share in the comments below!