We all know that an early morning routine wasn’t for me. While I LOVE the idea of starting the day on such a peaceful note, I could imagine myself sitting and trying to meditate while it was still dark outside, with tears silently cascading down my cheeks. I hate the mornings and I hold onto every possible second of sleep with both hands. Maybe this will change when the girls get older, but likely not.
I recently read The Spontaneous Fulfillment of Desire by Deepak Chopra and it’s something that’s made a huge positive impact on my life. I got some requests on Instagram to share more about the book and my new daily routine, so here we go! I’ve been a fan of Deepak’s work for years and use his meditation technique, and something about this book called to me. A mom at the dance studio had it with her and the title intrigued me (I’m a creeper and look around to see what other people are reading). I ordered it from the dance studio lobby on my phone, because as soon as I read the summary online, I knew it would be right up my alley.
From Amazon:
As elegant as his bestselling How to Know God and as practical as his phenomenal The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success, this groundbreaking new book from Deepak Chopra contains a dramatic premise: Not only are everyday coincidences meaningful, they actually provide us with glimpses of the field of infinite possibilities that lies at the heart of all things. By gaining access to this wellspring of creation, we can literally rewrite our destinies in any way we wish.
From this realm of pure potential we are connected to everything that exists and everything that is yet to come. “Coincidences” can then be recognized as containing precious clues about particular facets of our lives that require our attention. As you become more aware of coincidences and their meanings, you begin to connect more and more with the underlying field of infinite possibilities. This is when the magic begins. This is when you achieve the spontaneous fulfillment of desire.
At a time when world events may leave us feeling especially insignificant and vulnerable, Deepak Chopra restores our awareness of the awesome powers within us. And through specific principles and exercises he provides the tools with which to create the magnificent, miraculous life that is our birthright.
This book is very Secret-esque, but instead of being purely anecdotal, it includes historical information and science-based knowledge. The author dives in to quantum physics (and describes it in laymen’s terms), and explains how we’re all connected to the energy of the universe, in addition to the potential that exists. He describes each of us like waves of the ocean; all entirely different and unique, but all part of something so much bigger.
I found the chapter on coincidence really fascinating. Think about how many times coincidence has occurred in your life, and how everything seems to tie together at the end. An example that immediately stood out to me was teaching at the dance studio. A few coincidences happened while I was growing up (and teaching at the studio was my dream) and it ended up being a huge part of my life in high school and college. Another giant coincidence was this blog and all of the different opportunities that have transpired from the fact that I was lonely and bored in Valdosta, yearning for some type of connection.
After learning about nonlocal intelligence and the ability of our body to use energy and intention to manifest our desires – I know it sounds totally out there, but it makes sense once you read it – he provides a daily meditation and ritual to practice each day for seven days. Once you complete the seven days, you start again at the beginning and continue, because each time you’ll get more benefits out of the exercises and the theme will remain in your subconscious.
Here’s what it looks like:
– Surround yourself with archetypes that call to you and that inspire you. He goes through the main archetypes in the book, but you basically want to choose images or items that inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
– Meditate, using the “so hum” mantra for about 10 minutes. (I do 7 minutes.)
– Complete the daily exercise, which can be a meditation using vivid imagery or a journaling exercise. There are a couple of exercises for each daily practice, so I’ve been choosing one each time – if you do 2-3 it can make this a larger time commitment of an hour or more – and this way, each week, I’m doing something new and different.
– Recite the intentions and sutra for that day. Each day is based on a theme with corresponding sutra, and is very similar to his Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (<— another one I highly recommend). I’ll find that often throughout the day, I’m reminded of the sutra and focus for that day.
With 7 minutes of meditation, the daily exercise, and the sutra, I find that the entire routine takes me 20-30 minutes max. When I’m finished, I feel calm, centered, inspired and energized. While this doesn’t happen at o-dark-thirty, I find that I really enjoy doing this mid-morning, after I’ve dropped the girls off at school. I make it through the morning breakfast, pack up lunches and snacks, drop-off craziness, and this feels like a sweet reward. Afterwards, when I sit down to work or blitz around the house doing chores, I feel so much more productive.
This has been one of the most valuable and transformative rituals I’ve added to my life. I’m a fiery Latina, and grew up with a passionate soul; either I love you fiercely or you’re making me frustrated. Since I’ve gotten older, wiser, and also had kids, I’ve mellowed out a lot. The passage of time itself has helped immensely, especially paired with experiences like yoga teacher training and getting my hormone levels sorted out. (I’m re-testing this month and will report back, but I feel awesome after adding in these supplements and making some lifestyle changes. This may be TMI but I don’t suffer from PMS hardly at all anymore.)
Since doing this practice, I feel the most *even* I ever have. It’s given me peace while thinking about the future (near, and very far down the line) and the unknown. We’re in a transitional year this year as we figure out the Pilot’s job situation – he’s doing the Reserves but please keep your fingers crossed for a call from the airlines – and are settling into what will be our *normal.* (Stars around that because we know with kids and hectic lives, things are never really normal.)
I can also see this book as something I’ll read over and over again, adding to the circles, notes, and underlines I made the first time through.
I’d love to hear about any morning routines you have, or any books that have inspired you lately! I’m always looking for more to add to my list.
xo
Gina
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