Slow Mornings - A TCM Start to Your Day

It's 9:17 AM here at our offices in Toluca Lake, California. The sun is shining brightly in the sky, the light rush of traffic breezes by our windows on Riverside Drive. There's a gentle energy in the air, the whisper of another wonderful day to come.

This easy morning has inspired us to share the advice Traditional Chinese Medicine gives us when it comes to embracing mornings like this. Savoring moments of peace, sipping on nourishing blends, remembering what a true gift it is to be alive at this moment.

We hope you enjoy this short post dedicated to mornings like these.

Great Ways to Start the Day

We know that some mornings, waking up and getting out of your cozy bed is half the battle. TCM encourages us to ease out of this restful state and into a brief meditation, one dedicated to embracing whatever intention you wish to set for your day. Breath deeply into your stomach, pushing down on your diaphragm, ease into deep, fulfilling breaths as you remind yourself what you deserve from this day. Here are a few intentions to get you started:

1. Today is my day. Whatever comes my way is meant for me. I embrace whatever energy the day may bring.

2. I choose to deliver an intention of gratitude and thoughtfulness into this day on Earth. Whenever I can today, I wish to give back to those around me, to show them I care.

3. My body is feeling off in some way this morning, and that is ok. I will chose to move about the day, taking extra time to care for whatever part of me feeling compromised (my mind, my spirit, my body).

Time for Nourishment

According to TCM, our digestion is strongest in the mornings. This is the time the body yearns for proper nutrition after an entire night of fasting, so be sure to fuel your body with what it needs most.

We recommend starting with a glass of warmed water with lemon. The heated water will help your body flush whatever has been resting in it all night, and the lemon added a lovely, bright flavor to energize your mind.

Next, we're told that cooked foods like eggs, sauteed veggies and warming spices help ease digestion and jumpstart your organs ability to help you break down nutrients for the day, increasing vitamin absorption. Here are a few go-to meals we recommend:

1. Congee (rice porridge) with nourishing toppings like cooked egg, greens cooked in olive oil, or steamed berries like jujubee and goji berries for easy digestion.

2. A breakfast soup make with bone broth and all of your favorite toppings (cooked tofu, eggs, etc)

3. A veggie fritata, loaded with dark leafy greens and your favorite cooked veggies like red peppers and onion.

Creating Rituals

We're told that creating sacred rituals for ourselves that are unique to our person are crucial to maintain a balance between Yin and Yang throughout your day. Here are a few final tips TCM gifts us to set our souls and beings up for a successful day:

1. Avoid strenuous workouts first thing in the morning. Gentle movements and lympathic exercises are the way to go!

2. Find acupressure points to engage in the morning that set you up for a good day ahead. Try Zu San Li (Stomach 36) to engage digestion as you eat your warm, soothing breakfast.

3. Stay hydrated with warm or room-temperature water throughout your morning, as iced water can dampen your inner fire.

4. Limit or cut-out caffeine in things like energy drinks and coffee as they rapidly produce heat, leading to heightened anxiety.

It's now 9:38 here at Wildflower, and the morning feels ever more peaceful having shared these tips with you. From our hearts to yours, have a wonderful Thursday.

With love,

The Wildflowers