The Most Important Practice Of My Day
Eleven years ago, on June 4th, I lost one of the most loved and influential people in my life—my Pops.
He was a writer, a poet, and "a seeker of knowledge and wisdom." But mostly, he was the guy who taught me that the most profound moments often happen before the rest of the world wakes up. 🌅
Every morning, Dad would rise in what he called the "Alpha Hours"—that magical time before dawn when the house was quiet and his thoughts could flow freely.
I'd wake to find him sitting cross-legged in his sacred spot on his favorite living room chair, draped in a purple and black poncho from one of his solo adventures to South America. He was either meditating or sipping black coffee, coaxing his Toshiba laptop to life.
The thing was about as elegant as a brick, but in Dad's hands, it became a portal to profound wisdom.
✨What emerged from those morning sessions was pure magic. Dad wrote poetry about the evolution of the soul, the mysteries of existence, and humanity's spiritual journey.
But here's the thing that still makes me smile—no matter how profound or cosmic his subject matter, everything had to rhyme. EVERYTHING. Whether he was exploring the ancient teachings of mystics or writing what we all refer to as his "commercial break content"—hilarious poems about golf disasters, chess, or his disdain for my mom insisting lemon pie does not qualify as part of the fruit food group. 🍋🥧
Those Alpha Hours weren't just about writing; they were about connecting to this ethereal time of day (that happens only once) and creating a sacred space where his inner wisdom could emerge and creativity could flow.
Unlike Dad, I'm not a poet. I don't wrestle words into rhyming couplets or channel cosmic mysteries onto the page.
I have (and teach my clients) a simple Ayurvedic morning routine that takes care of my basic needs and sets me up for feeling connected, grounded, and energized before the day gets away from me.
A big part of that is plugging into this ethereal time of day, connecting to my inner voice, and giving my heart permission to speak up over the mental chatter and endless looping thoughts of the logical mind.
Here's How:
➡️ Part of my sacred morning routine is to light a candle, sit down, and put pen to paper.
The pre-dawn hours, which the yogis call "Brahmamuhurta" or "the God's hours," are the best time for creative and spiritual practices as the energy is ethereal, expansive, and light. 🌤
If you've ever been camping and woken up with the sunrise, THAT'S the energy I'm talking about. 🏕
This is the best time to tap into your inner voice and wisdom—the part of you that knows better than your self-sabotaging, overwhelmed brain.
With pen in hand, I may ask a question of my inner voice that I need clarity on, whether that's in business, my personal life, or a significant decision about my future. I then start writing in a stream of consciousness, without editing or judgment.
It's like rolling out the red carpet for the part of me that knows better, is rooted in my truth, and can't wait to share—because I'm usually too preoccupied and busy to pause long enough to listen.
Sound familiar?
✨I know how hard it is to find time for yourself.
✨I know life is busy, and it's easy to get distracted by work, kids, and everything else.
✨I know that feeling of being overwhelmed with all the moving parts of life, and often, taking care of yourself gets bumped off the list.
However, taking time out for yourself is critical for your health, energy, and connection to the wiser, soul-level part of you, not the heady, intellectual part that often leads you astray.
Could you do me a favor? Take a moment to pause. Place your hand on your ♥️, breathe deeply, and pose this question to yourself.
➡️ What's the ONE message I need to hear from my wiser, soul-level, higher self right now?
Side note: Your higher self is always kind, wants the best for you, and is wise. If you hear anything critical, catty, or judgmental, that is NOT your higher self; that's your "controlling chatting Cathy mind" making up stories.
When that happens, just notice it, thank your brain for doing its job, and LET IT GO! 🎼
➡️ Keep returning to your intention. Drop in, listen, and WRITE.
What came up for me this morning was to DO LESS and TRUST that I am supported, and everything is happening as it needs to.
Of course, my dad would find a way to make this whole newsletter rhyme if he were writing it. However, since I inherited his love of sacred mornings, but not his supernatural rhyming abilities, I'll just say this:
The power isn't in the poetry—it's in the practice of showing up for yourself, nurturing the connection to your inner wisdom, and then giving it a voice.
3 Journal Prompts to Inspire:
✨ Inner voice, what do you need me to know today?
✨ What's the ONE message I need to hear from my wiser, soul-level, higher self right now?
✨ What has my intuition been guiding me toward lately?
Morning journaling is such a simple and powerful self-care practice to weave into your morning routine. If you're new to it, try starting small—just set a timer for five minutes. That’s all you need to begin. Over time, you’ll likely find your flow and naturally want to write for longer. Just let it grow at your own pace.