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Morning Resolutions (spoken like a mantra) are a great way to begin or complete your daily meditation. A morning resolution sets your intention for the day and brings it to the forefront of your mind, thus reinforcing your most deeply held values. 

Gandhi suggested that “the first act of every morning be a resolve such as this:

I shall not fear anyone on Earth.

I shall fear only God.

I shall not bear ill will toward anyone.

I shall not submit to injustice from anyone.

I shall conquer untruth by truth. And in resisting untruth, I shall put up with all suffering.”

 

This week you can create your own morning resolution focused on the big picture of who you are and what you stand for, as Gandhi did with his. Consider what your most important values are and how you want to orient yourself in this world. In other words, choose resolves that focus on big ideas. “I shall treat my body with utmost respect” is a higher level of resolve than “I shall not eat dessert today.” Keep it short. Gandhi’s is only five lines and 45 words. Repeat your resolution before or after you meditate and throughout your day to keep yourself on target.

It’s interesting to note that the morning resolution written by Gandhi begins with the words “I shall.” Your morning resolution can start with other declarations such as “May I” or “I will.” Pick language that is powerful and meaningful to you.

For your meditation practice:

  • What part of Gandhi’s resolution speaks most fully to you this week? Why?
  • What core values do you want to affirm every morning in order to align your actions and intentions for the rest of the day?
  • Can you write your own morning resolution for this week?

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This post is a short excerpt from Edie Raphael's The Art of Being Present: Mindfulness Meditation for Work and Life. The full book (including 52 weeks of guided meditations) can be purchased here.

Credit: Photo by Grant Ritchie on Unsplash.