Warning! My blog will challenge you to be more, give more, live fearlessly, take more chances and show up in the world unstoppable, daring and bold.
Today, join me in welcoming my friend Jan Lundy from awake is good! She is the author of four self-help/spiritual growth books. How amazing is that?
Her newest book, Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, was released in 2008 by Sorin Books.
Jan is giving away a copy Free to the person who leaves the best comment!
Plus if you sign up for her newsletter you receive a Free 90 page e-book, “The Awakened Woman’s Guide to Life.”
How fit is your mind?
Have you given any consideration to how healthy or unhealthy it might be? We live in a culture preoccupied with the body, especially its appearance. We are bombarded daily with images and messages that keep us concerned about how we look, what we eat, and our level of fitness.
But what about our mind? Doesn’t it deserve the same attention as our body? In fact, if we look deeply into the relationship between the two, we’d discover that they cannot be separated. We are a body/mind organism. What our mind thinks about shows up in our body.
Our emotions rule our thoughts and our thoughts send messages to our body causing it to react one way or another. If we truly want bodies that are healthy, we must become more aware of the thinking that goes into them.
Today, I challenge and invite you to rethink your thinking!
Make a commitment to pay as much attention to your mind and its fitness as you do your body. Here are some suggestions for a workout program for a healthy mind, beginning with…
The 30-Minute Wake-Up Call
The first one-half hour of our day is crucial to our well-being. How we experience this initial 30-minutes will set the tone for our day, how relaxed or stressed we are, how positive or negative our attitude will be.
This is because upon waking from sleep, we are the most receptive and vulnerable—and easily influenced. It’s important to spend this time in ways that help shape a positive, productive, and healthy day for ourselves.
Begin by making the decision to change any early morning routine that does not launch you out into the world with optimism and energy.
For years, I’d drag myself out of bed at the last minute to get as much sleep as possible, but then race through my morning feeling way behind before I even got started! That led to a slow and steady escalation of stress throughout the day.
Or, if I did get up early, I’d find myself downing one cup of coffee after another watching the morning news shows.
It was no surprise that with all the negative information I was feeding my mind first thing in the morning, I felt lousy and depressed from that point on. A book entitled,As a Man Thinketh, by James Allen changed all that.
What I learned from Mr. Allen, a turn-of-the-century British writer, was this life-changing. He said (and I paraphrase), “A person is literally what he/she thinks—our character being the complete sum of all our thoughts.”
Thankfully, I began to realize that what I was focused on was making me who I was. And I was becoming a very stressed, anxious, irritated woman! I certainly did not want to remain that, so I made some new choices to begin my day differently.
Today my morning routine looks like this. 
I set my alarm 15 -30 minutes early so I can wake in leisurely fashion. Upon waking, I lay quietly.
I might meditate, pray or reflect, watch the trees through my bedroom window, formulate affirming thoughts about my day, or snuggle up to my husband.
Upon rising, I gently move through my morning, even walking through the house slowly, intentionally, to keep my morning pace rooted in serenity.
I also try to set aside time to just sit and “be.” This might mean observing the beauty of the day through my picture window or a few minutes of inspirational reading.
Noise is kept to a minimum. No television for sure; soft music, if anything, might be played. This 30- minute wake up routine has become vital to my day and helps me keep my mind fit, relaxed, and filled with positive thoughts.
Each one us can make similar choices for ourselves each morning. We all have the capability to do so, despite any schedule or duties that call.
It simply requires a burning desire for things to be different. It requires you asking of yourself, ‘How good do I really want to feel today?’ and making the choices that support that answer.’
I’ve also created a 30- Minute Evening Detox Program for myself because how we close out our day is just as important as how we begin in. But that’s another post! You know what? I’ll post it on my blog this week. Stop by for a look.
May peace of mind, body, heart and soul be yours!
Described by her readers, audiences, and colleagues as “practical and poetic, possessing deep and gentle wisdom,” Janice Lynne Lundy serves as an interfaith spiritual guide to tens of thousands of women throughout the United States through her nationally syndicated magazine column in Women’s LifeStyle magazine, and as a professional speaker and retreat facilitator.
She is the author of four self-help/spiritual growth books. Her newest book, Your Truest Self: Embracing the Woman You Are Meant to Be, was released in 2008 by Sorin Books.
©2009 Janice Lynne Lundy
How do you keep your mind fit?
What is your morning routine?
How can you improve it?
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Tess,
Thank you for this guest post. I really enjoy Jan’s blog and all of her wisdom.
Jan,
Wonderful post. I guess the one way that I keep my mind fit is by living my life as joyfully and authentically as I can. When I am doing these things I am letting my spirit shine, which helps my mind stay focused on now and not on what I did or did not get done.
I loved your example of the 30-minute wake up call. My morning routine is lacking right now and I am going to give your ideas a try tomorrow. I used to spend time in quiet each morning and I loved it.
Can’t wait to hear about the evening detox program. Bless you.
Jan, good to see you here! My morning routine is so similar to yours but it took me a lot of years to get to it! Isn’t it funny how we live so many years trying to eke out those last few minutes of sleep, then run around frantically, ending up exhausted and frustrated before the day even begins, all for those few extra minutes! Like you, I realized my day was 100% better if I took time getting up, beginning with a bit of meditation, prayer, or conscious observance of the outdoors before getting up. And the quiet is also important. I can hear so much if I am quiet…the sweet sound of my husband sleeping, the little kitty sounds of a waking pet, the ducks and birds, the water lapping, the leaves rustling….it’s enough wonder to carry with me throughout the entire day!
Enough of that….let me just endorse your book here and encourage everyone to read it…..it is already a well read tome in my home! I refer to it often for its wisdom and guidance. And the love inside it! xo
Oh I love that idea of being quiet in the morning…but 2 young kids can make that difficult…lol. But still, this is something I would like to try. I hate to hit the road running first thing…I am much happier easing into the day.
The other way I like to keep my mind fit is by vigorous exercise. I love power walking or jogging. It just shakes all the negative energy right out!
I love the message of fitness for the mind. Great idea! I keep my mind healthy by keeping my brain clean and fill with all the goodness around me. I keep my mind fit by always learning and growing.
Thanks for your sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Nice to have you over here, Jan!
Having kids later in life has kept me open and learning, my mind fitter than it might have been. They also make morning serenity during term time impossible! The holidays have ben great though; I have the house to myself before the beasts awake and lumber into the kitchen, grunting…
Coaching and writing keep my mind spruced up. Being a detail-lover, I tend to live my life with presence; widening my moments and having fun with the family seems to keep my mind fit and stop me getting the entrenched views that I might have done at my age.
Thanks, Tess!
Hi Tess, I just came upon your site and what a wonderful post to introduce me to your world.
How do you keep your mind fit?
Staying mindful is the best way I have found to keep my mind fit, and I find this easier to master if I reflect on how successful I have been in my minfulness regularly. My blog is one of the ways I like to reflect and challenge myself to think differently and grow in mind and soul through my incurable quest for learning.
What is your morning routine?
My morning always begins with a visit from my 6 year old son, he crawls into bed with me and snuggles for about 10 minutes, which is enough time for me to emerge from my slumber. My son will then slip out to go and make himself breakfast and play with the cat. I spend another 10 minutes or so snuggling my husband before I rise, and go through my routine of overseeing my son getting ready for school (he makes his own lunch and packs his own bag, but often needs a couple of nudges!) while I shower, dry my hair, get dressed, apply my makeup and gather what I need for the day before I kiss my boys goodbye and head out the door. There is definitely no TV in my house in the mornings, or Nintendo, or DS… serenity in the mornings is paramount for me. I also enjoy the ride to work in the car alone, where I can mentally prepare for the day ahead.
How can you improve it?
I think I could afford to slow down even more in the mornings, or perhaps have some time where I go for a walk, or go to the gym as I love to exercise in the morning. I need to be in less of a rush to get to work (I seem to get more done before everyone else arrives in the office!)
Looking forward to reading more of your site Tess.
Oh my gosh, I love this post! You educated me about those first 30 minutes of the day and how they set the tone for the rest of it.
Since quitting Corporate America in January, I get up each day between 4:30 and 6:30 a.m. and within the first five minutes of my feet hitting the ground, bow and give thanks for my wonderful life. I say a few prayers or affirmations along with that, and then light a candle next to my computer. From there, I read an email from the love of my life, who’s in Iraq right now and always has a message waiting in my inbox well before I rise. I follow that up by reading my favorite blogs (like this one) and commenting to show support.
That probably gets me into the 45 minute range, but still… It’s my routine, and honestly I LOVE THE MORNINGS! They’re the best part of any of my days.
Blessings to you!
I am a big believer in mind fitness, thanks for highlighting that in this post! As a yoga and meditation instructor I know first hand the importance of taking care of both (actually, all three, spirit/soul too!)
I keep my mind fit with meditation, jigsaw puzzles and more recently teaching myself how to read music and play the guitar. I also love logic puzzles.
My morning starts quietly with a cup of coffee and my writing journal. I’m the first one up and I love the silence and getting thoughts to paper to clear my mind. From their I let my gut guide me - work? Workout? Meditation? I used to be rigid in my routine, but I’ve decided to listen more internally rather than setting “rules”.
Improvements…I’ve been making them all along and the biggest improvement, as I mentioned, is listening to my gut instead of creating rigid rules.
Good morning, Tess and Guests!
It’s wonderful to be here with all of you talking about fitness from a different perspective. Your comments are wonderful and it sounds like many of you are already doing really great things for your mind. Super!
Jill,
Glad to hear that you are willing to reorient your morning time in a new, more soulful way. A joyful attitude does make all the difference.
Diantha,
I’m glad you’ve had that awareness about eeking out time. I do think it stresses us more than eases our morning. Happy to hear you have found a morning routine that nurtures your spirit. And thank you, as always, for the nice comments on my book. xxoo
Caroline,
Yes, it is hard when you have young children. That is exactly why I got up before them, even 15 minutes made all the difference in the world, and eased that sense of the morning rush. And vigorous exercise can definitely clear and refocus our minds. Happy jogging!
Giovanna,
I am with you! I keep my mental radar tuned for that which will de-energize me or send me into despair. Focusing on the good stuff is so very helpful. That is why we have elected not to have a TV in our home. The negative vibe of news and media amidst all the cultural hype can really take its toll upon our mental well-being.
Janice,
Mindfulness, being present to what is, also strengthens and eases the mind. It seems that this is what you are striving to bring into your days. So helpful with kids, especially!
Jus,
Your mornings sound very soulful. And serene. Good for you! Like you, mindfulness, literally, saved my life and my sanity and reoriented me toward spirit. And, yet, as you say, there is always room for improvement!
Megan,
Seems like you have a good handle on what directs you toward inner calm and joy and what turns you away. That’s wonderful. My morning routine is actually more like an hour. Over the years, I keep extending it! I love mornings too. They are the best part of my day, precisely because I fill them with “activities” that nurture me and my spirit…
Stacey,
You make a very important point. It is good to be flexible with our routine. Some mornings, like you, I go to my journal. On others, I just sit and listen to the birds, sit out on my porch, or listen to music. Heeding our inner wisdom is key to our complete well-being…
Such terrific comments! Now I am off to create Part II of this post at my blog: http://www.awakeisgood.blogspot.com. The 30-Minute Detox (Evening) Routine. Come join me there!
Jan, love love love the article. I’m sending joyful energy your way today!
Jill,
Your comment is beautifully written. It belongs as a paragraph in a book. I like Jan have a morning routine. And it has served me well since my children were young.
It gets in the triple digits in AZ by 10:00 am and I now wake up at 4:30 am to get my exercise in and enjoy the quiet, peaceful morning!
Diantha,
I love your discription of your mornings and if that’s not encouragement for others I don’t know what is.
Caroline,
I love the way you describe power walking or jogging and how it “shakes the negative energy right out.” You CAN do it!
Gio,
Thanks for sharing your methods of mind fitness. Your energy greets everyone who comes to your blog right through the computer screen!
Janice,
You have me LOL with your description of your children in the morning. Been there and miss that!
Jus,
Snuggling with warm bodies are a great way to start the day. It’s all about touch and presence in your house and it sounds lovely. I’ll be over to check out your blog as well. I love new blogging buddies!
Megan,
Wow you go girl! I love the candle by my computer idea however I think my desk is too cluttered. Your morning routine sounds beautiful. And I didn’t know your honey is in Iraq. Blessings to you and him both!
Stacey,
It sounds like you do what is perfect for you! I love that your learning to read music and play guitar. Never stop growing and playing!
Jan,
Your post has touched the spirits of my readers today and for that I thank you.
Hi Jan, Fancy meeting you here!
I completely agree with you. That’s why I don’t read the newspaper, watch the news on tv, or listen to the radio reports. I’m blissfully ignorant and very happy. I routinely repeat positive affirmations throughout my day and I’m pleased to say they work.
My morning routine:
I set my alarm early so I can hit the snooze button and allow myself to wake slowly, while I lay with eyes closed and listen to my cat purring beside me. When I do wake up, I follow my cat as he trots and I walk to a particular spot by the window where we have a snuggle fest. His favourite part of the day, I have no doubt. We say hello to Bunny and then I prepare breakfast for my critters.
I have a refreshing shower after I make my bed. I like my home to be neat and tidy. It helps to keep anxiety and chaos at bay for me. I’m not clinical or neurotic about it, I just like a bit of order.
I prepare a grand breakfast for myself complete with fresh coffee, an omelet, toast, and fresh fruit and spend the next hour enjoying my meal while I catch up with my blog friends on the computer.
At some point during my morning, I review all the things that I’m grateful for, speaking them aloud and being fully present. That really helps to set the tone for my day and gives me the proper perspective.
I give myself another hour to get presentable for work and then depart for work. My commute by car is leisurely. I start work at 10 am, so I miss the morning rush hour traffic. I enjoy the drive and listen to music on my way in. It helps me to transition into my work day.
This morning has been a bit different though…I awoke to NO HOT WATER! *sigh* In my best Scarlett O’Hara impression, I put it out of my mind and began with breakfast. I’ll check the water temperature again in a few minutes. In the meantime, I have water heating on the stove, just in case….
BTW, I’m looking forward to reading about your detox routine.
Incidentally, there’s a great book that deals with this mind/body connection entitled “When the Body Says No.” by Dr. Gabor Mate (there’s an accent over the e, I just can’t add it here.) It’s a very interesting and eye-opening read.
Tess,
Oh, thank you wise woman. You have created such a wonderful site here and I am so happy to be a part of it. And I will keep checking in throughout the weekend. The follow-up post on my blog is up: A 30-Minute Evening Detox. Enjoy!
Carolynn,
I love hearing about your morning routine. You are the poster girl for morning mindfulness! Congratulations! And I know how vital your animals are to keeping you centered and faithful… You are truly being kind to yourself by living in this way. Gentle is good! Thanks for the lead on the book, too. Always nice to find a good read to reinforce the concepts.
Wow! Talk about the right message at the right time. This morning was the first time in AGES that I actually didn’t jump out of bed and run to my computer to get to work.
This morning - I laid in bed after I awoke and enjoyed the sun streaming in my bedroom window. I meditated and prayed. I can’t tell you how much DIFFERENT today has been already thanks to taking a few minutes to “center” myself!!!
I’m heading over now to check out the 30 minute evening detox.
By the way, truly words of wisdom, “What our mind thinks about shows up in our body.” PRICELESS!!!
Good Afternoon Tess and Jan!!
I truly agree with you Jan and I loved your post on your blog about detoxing before bed. I currently do both, but didn’t always. Now that I do I find so much peace in it and I find my days and nights flowing beautifully.
Hi Tess and Jan - excellent .. Jan’s is one of the blogs I’m on way to add in to my list .. having now resolved all the hassles with my mother and the Home - we start again, which means I can settle into a life without worrying about that strata of worry, obviously my Mum and my Uncle are still up front .. but no worries about the Home any more.
So now I can start to concentrate a little more easily on everyone’s blogs .. I sincerely hope … and get myself a routine going .. I need the morning and evening routine .. & I need to get walking down the hill .. now’s my time - so Tess and Jan .. I’ll be around listening and learning.
See you for the night time routine Jan .. & I agree with Kathy .. those were the words I saw .. “What our mind thinks about shows up in our body” ..
Thanks Tess and Jan - see you both again shortly ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Carolyn,
Wow sounds like an informative book. When our body says no to us it’s one thing. But when it tells us no to another and we proceed anyway that’s as powerfully harmful.
Thanks for sharing the title with our readers. Always so much to learn and opportunity for new growth!
Kath,
No coincidences! It looks like Jan and Tess had a message for you today! Jan’s message is always priceless!
Tabitha,
You’re beautiful life and compassionate heart have been influenced by your morning and night routine. Thanks for stopping by.
Hillary,
Yeah for you. I don’t know if you do or want to but an Ipod with music may help with your exercise. It can’t be spiritually or rock n roll whatever lifts you up and gets you going. I appreciate you and your comments. Hillary you’re the best!
Kathy,
I do love when the Universe provides exactly what we need in the moment. That tells me you are very intentional and, likely, in alignment with YOUR truest self. Here’s to a new morning AND evening routine that will nurture you…
Tabitha,
I am glad these 2 posts (the complementary post on my blog) spoke to your heart. Our early morning time is such a receptive time. It is important that we fill ourselves up with good stuff. And the evening detox is vital for physical and emotional health. Continued success with both!
Hilary,
Thrilled that you found what you were looking for–what your spirit needed for today and tomorrow–for brighter days ahead. Nice to have you as a regular visitor! Be well.
Jan, I love it. I’ll try to gwet up with gratitude instead of groaning:)
Wow so many interesting comments here!
I completely agree and find it mind-boggling (bad pun…) that we don’t value mind fitness as we do the fitness of the rest of our bodies. Our physical brains and our mental wellbeing are affected by so many things - what we eat, the environment, the activities that we do, sleep, music, thoughts that form neural pathways, quality of breath that dictates how much oxygen gets to the brain and influences our stress response … The really cool thing about it is that these are things that we can change.
Probably the most important thing I do for my mind is yoga. It incorporates a lot of the things that others have mentioned like exercise (postures), meditation, mindful breathing and quiet time. It also makes me see things from a different perspective (literally if in headstand!) I love to read - about yoga, spirituality, whatever’s going and think it’s awesome when something makes me go “huh?” so that I really have to think about what I believe.
My kids also keep my mind toned with their (constant) questions like “Why does Santa Claus never die?” Can’t remember my answer to that one but have said many times - “not sure, how about we Google that?”
Wish I could say I was an early riser. Not so much (confession - I love when my kids sleep in so that I can too) - but I feel inspired by all of you to become one. The ancient yogis say that the 2 hours before sunrise (brahmamuhurta in Sanskrit) is the divine time when spiritual energy is high.
Thanks for a great discussion - now night all. I will aim for an earlier bedtime to try and curb my “night owl habit”
Yay! What a total treat to see one of my favorite new bloggers here posting.
And my goodness, as you may or may not remember, a couple days ago I asked Patricia’s Wisdom readers why my noggin’ might be so foggy in the morning and the outpouring of help and suggestions just blew me away and humbled me yet again by the depth of caring and blog support.
I wanna take that first 30 minutes to stretch a bit in bed, then with a smile and a whistle, don my sneaks and get the dogs and me out in the morning air with the gorgeous trees and friendly passers-by. How can that not set me up for a wonderful day of joy and delight??
Oh, and when I return from the walk I’ll do 20 buttock lifts on each side. At least 20! Maybe 40 or 50 per side!
Hi Tess and Jan .. thanks so much for your comments and support ..
Tess - re the ipod .. yes I’m getting it set up .. it’s one of the things that I just simply haven’t been able to deal with .. the brain can only take so much.
I’ll be able to sit quietly with my mother .. doing things via my ear piece - books and music .. as she often just wants me there & I have found that quite difficult - being a doer! Still now the pressure is off … I can move forward more easily ..
Thanks so much .. have good weekends ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hi Tess and Jan .. stupidly! I meant to add .. I’ll be using Dani at positvelypresent .. to guide me with my music .. there’s so much there .. as she loves her music and you all resonate with that adding in lots of other choices .. I just don’t remember .. it’s a missing talent - but I enjoy the hearing talent ..so I don’t miss out ..
thanks - Hilary Melton-Butcher, Positive Letters
Hi Jan & Tess,
Thanks for this. I have to tell your readers that I have read Jan’s book and it is wonderful! Jan does a great job of weaving her personal story into the stories of women who have made some great strides in the women’s spirituality movement in such a way that it empowers the reader to find their own sense of “holiness” in everyday life.
I will be interviewing Jan this Wednesday for our Cirkla Radio Show, so if you enjoy her work, I encourage you to listen in!
(I already have a copy of the book, so I don’t need to win one!)
Great post. I first make a latte and then go back to bed or sit on my porch and do a blessing meditation, then I go for a run with my dog (most days). This sets the day with intention and joy.
Some people keep their mind sharp by doing regular crossword puzzles or watching lots of Jeopardy. Connecting with what matters to you enrichs mind, body and spirit. When you love the self unconditionally, you realize the perceived need for improvement is an illusion. Whatever you do is good already. You always do enough, you are worthy, inspiring and perfect now.
My number one need in the morning is time to myself. So, I always make sure to get up early enough to have some time to think before the chaos of the day starts.
Mermaid,
Oh, I know you can get beyond the groaning! What one small thing could you add to your morning routine to give yourself a lift? Perhaps 10 minutes of metta or a few minutes of just looking out the window, heightening your senses with the beauty that is there? Sometimes little treats for ourselves work wonders…
Charlotte,
I appreciate the info on the 2 hrs. before sunrise. Interesting..that is when the Muse visits at my house. 
Good for you and yoga! It is the one practice I have found over the years that addresses our well-being on ALL levels. And those questioning kids–yes, they are good for helping foster clarity.
Jannie,
Hi! What you share here supports why so many people have pets. Caring for them gets them up and out and active! Plus the morning can be such a beautiful, soulful time. Glad you are excited about creating a good routine for yourself!
Hilary,
Your new intentions and practices sound wonderful. I do wish you the best on this new more positive direction in your routine…
Amy,
Thank you for the kind comments on my book. I am looking forward to our show. Perhaps we will talk about MORE ways we can live as our most peaceful, truest self!
Liara,
Thank you for those wise words. I agree, that connecting with what matters, enlivens, and inspires you is key.
MZ,
This is a beautiful noticing of need and acting on that need. An act of self-love and compassion. Good for you!
~~~~~
It has been WONDERFUL to visit with all of you. Tess, thank you again for having me. Such terrific ideas for continuing to embody our peaceful selves. And thanks to many of you who ventured over to my blog to read Part II of this post–the evening detox routine. I hope we will continue to share our thoughts and journeys… Blessings to you! Believe, breathe and be well.
Oh Tess! I really love this post! Absolutely, the mind is the sanctuary that drives our essence! I am an avid student of the neurosciences and have long since studied the brain to understand better the mind. I am no expert but let me share the link below of Jill Bolte Taylor, a neuroscientist, who experienced a stroke and studied it while it was happening…her book, Stroke of Insight…see below & enjoy! (hope the link works~I would have posted on my site but I don’t know how to upload videos yet…duh on me!)
http://bit.ly/dZ1zM
My quote for the day:
“If you think you’ve thought, think again!” ~Henie~
Tess, I found your site through Jan’s over at Awake Is Good. I alway enjoy what she has to say and have enjoyed your site as well.
To keep a fit mind…I try ot meditate everyday. Staying stress free & open to the moment, not fretting about past & future events. Letting the mind relax & de-stress keeps it fresh. My friends ask me how I became so mellow and I keep trying to tell them to meditate. It can change your life.
My morning routine…I try to set my alarm, leaving more than enough time to slowly wake up. Just keeping a daily routine works for me.
I could improve by trying your advice & playing soft music instead of listening to news. Maybe go out onto the patio & absorb the fresh morning air for at least 10 minutes. Maybe sip some herbal tea…
Thank you for your words of wisdom!