11:11 Waves Blog 3: Readiness

Every Monday, I share 1 question for you to contemplate, 1 idea from me, 1 quote from others, and 1 inspiration for us.

Today’s topic is: Readiness.

I spent the weekend re-organizing the apartment, decluttering and opening storage boxes that are usually hidden away and not easily accessible. Inside one of these storage boxes, I found a diary from 2017. This was one of the best years of my life to date: it was a year filled with hope, optimism, empowerment and incredible sharpness and focus to make things happen. As I was reading many of my reflections, I noticed a common theme emerging. No matter the situation I was in, no matter the circumstances I was facing, I was clear about my goals, I was open to possibilities, and I was intentionally ready to embrace opportunities.

One Question for you

Opportunity favours the prepared and every day is a new opportunity.

Discuss the question here.

One Idea from me

2017 was also the year I introduced a morning routine in my life. Every so often I make some adjustments to spice it up, but my morning routine always contains three distinct phases:

Phase one (mind): finding clarity (3 minutes)

First, I close my eyes, ground myself and write down in my morning sidekick journal:

• My most important task for today;

• One way I can improve my life by 1%;

• How I want to ‘show up’ in my interactions with myself and others.

Phase two (body): opening up (6 minutes)

Next, I move, open up and align my body. If you want to try this exercise, here are some instructions you can follow:

• Step 1 – Controlled breathing (one minute). Stand with your eyes closed and pay attention to your breathing. Controlled breathing is an ancient practice that enables more air to flow in your body and helps you clear your mind so you stay more present;

• Step 2 - Head massage (30 seconds). Massage the scalp of your head with your fingertips. This practice enhances blood and oxygen circulation making you feel immediately sharper and more awake;

• Step 3 - Ears rubbing (30 seconds). Starting from your lobes and going all the way up, gently rub, pull and pinch your ears. You may have seen athletes doing this before an important performance: this is because ears contain many nerves ending and, by hitting the right spots, you can feel more alert and balanced;

• Step 4 - Eyes rolling (30 seconds). Keeping your head oriented straight, slowly roll your eyes in all directions. In Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP), eye positioning exercises like this one, are said to increase creativity, flexibility and ability to think in new and different ways;

• Step 5 - Neck stretching (30 seconds). Stretch your neck by rotating your head. This improves flexibility and motion;

• Step 6 - Hips rotation (30 seconds). Rotate hips making big circles to improve stability, balance and improve mobility;

• Step 7 - Jumping (30 seconds). Jump on the spot for 30 seconds. This improves postures and aligns the spine;

• Step 8 - Leg stretching (one minute per leg). Using a table, stretch your legs: one leg at the time, facing front, then side-on and finally backwards. Stretching improves flexibility and also releases endorphins that help to enhance your mood.

Phase three (spirit): getting ready (3 minutes)

Finally, I dance around the living room and listen to an upbeat, fast tempo song – a song that gives me energy, that feels powerful and makes me feel ready for the day.

One Quote from others

“A good beginning is half success”. Hungarian proverb.

One Inspiration for us

Click here to check out my current morning routine song from 2NE1 - 내가 제일 잘 나가 (I am the best).