Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver
Hello, sun in my face.
Hello, you who made the morning
and spread it over the fields
and into the faces of the tulips
and the nodding morning glories,
and into the windows of, even, the
miserable and the crotchety –
best preacher that ever was,
dear star, that just happens
to be where you are in the universe
to keep us from ever-darkness,
to ease us with warm touching,
to hold us in the great hands of light –
good morning, good morning, good morning.
Watch, now, how I start the day
in happiness, in kindness.
Whether you eat as soon as you get up or within a few hours, breakfast is an important way to get your metabolism in gear for the day. You will be more nourished if you can allow at least 10 minutes to sit and eat your breakfast mindfully – without the computer, TV or other distractions. It’s a good time to think about and set your intention for the day. For example, today my intention is to connect positively with everyone I meet. Or today my intention is to remember to take 3 deep breathes every hour
You can’t go wrong with a whole grain cereal like oatmeal, quinoa, millet or brown rice for breakfast. They are inexpensive, full of fiber and can last you the morning if you eat them with a few tablespoons of ground flax or chia seeds, a handful of berries and a scoop of probiotic yogurt.
If you prefer to buy packaged dry whole grain cereals, look for organic products without artificial color, flavor, trans fats or sweeteners. Some of my favorite brands are Nature’s Path, Granola King, Kashi, Terra Breads Granola, Bob’s Red Mill Muesli and Multi-grain Cereal. Here is a great recipe for making your own breakfast cereal:
Compassion Inspired Multigrain Hot Cereal
- ½ cup whole hazelnuts (or almonds)
- ½ cup whole pumpkin seeds
- ½ cup quinoa
- 1/2 cup millet
- ½ cup brown rice
- ¼ cup unhulled sesame seeds
- ¼ cup hemp seed
Toast all nuts and seeds in a large heavy skillet for about 15 minutes, stirring continuously. Cool and then put mixture in a food processor a few seconds. Keep in a sealed container in the refrigerator
To cook add 1-cup cereal mixture to 2 cups boiling water, reduce heat, simmer and stir for 20 minutes. Serve with yogurt, cinnamon, ground flax seed and berries.
