Check Your Inner Compass

Ever notice how challenging days just seem to spiral out of control? One misstep leads to another and soon your day is in the pits. Perhaps you misplace your keys, skip breakfast, and hit a detour that makes you late. Or in your rush, you leave behind the report you need, forget to pick someone up, or lock your kids out of the house (and then have to make arrangements for a rescue). What can you do? Start — or restart — each day with clarity.

• Awaken ten minutes earlier than usual, or try this centering break at noon.
• Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and pose this question: What do I really want?
• Now, turn your attention to your breathing. As you exhale, repeat a mantra, if you wish.
• When ten minutes are up, jot down any thoughts that pop into your head. Don't worry if an "answer" does not immediately appear. Just asking is often enough to set your internal compass for the day.

Instead of immersing yourself in morning news, traffic jams, and cell phones that don't sleep, start each day with authentic focus. Connecting with your core provides an anchor all day.

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Excerpted from Recharge in Minutes ©2003 Suzanne Zoglio, PhD www.zoglio.com Buy the book

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