Dear reader,

After returning to Finland two days ago, I've noticed a dip in my mood. Transitions, even positive ones, can sometimes leave us feeling out of sync. Morning is what sets our day, and if we get into doer mode without giving ourselves space to tune in, connect intentionally - it will affect your entire day!

I’ve felt this recently as I have not been so on my morning routine. So, this is me getting back on track and hopefully inspire you, too.

Last week, we delved into exhaustion; this week, I'd like to share the self-connection practices to centre myself for best possible mood for the day using the three realms of connection from my book HEARTFUL: Connection to self, Connection to others and Connection to something higher.

Connecting with Something Higher

• Morning Prayer: Upon waking, I say a prayer of gratitude. “Thank you God for yet another day of this beautiful life. Let today bring out everything I need and that is highest good for all.” This practice grounds me into the day through my faith. (I wrote about prayer recently, if you want to learn more.)

Connecting with the Body

• Hydration: Starting the day with a large glass of water mixed with lemon.

• Wait 1-2 hours after waking up to have your morning coffee. Why? This one has been a game changes for me. If you have the coffee first thing in the morning, research proves it spikes your cortisol levels higher and can add to your stress and anxiety.

  Waiting 1-2hours you give your body chance to flush something called adenosine out of your system that your body can cleanse and then receive the caffeine from a more stable place and also prevent you slumping in the afternoon.

• Move for 10-30 Minutes: Engaging in any form of movement—be it stretching, workout, dancing to your fav song, or a short walk—helps elevate my mood and energy levels. Do eat least 10minutes. Everyone has 10 minutes!

Connection with Nature

• Sky Before Screen: I learned this from Ed Mylett. This is a new addition that I want to implement into my routine. To prioritize stepping outside and see the sky and fresh air before engaging with any screens. This simple act grounds me to Mother Earth and also is really good for the Circadian rhythm.

Connecting with my Mind and Heart

• Write My Morning Pages: Doing a minimum of one page of free writing each morning on my journal about my thoughts and feelings provides clarity and gives me space to process what is going on in my internal world before I enter the external world through work.

Connecting with Others

• Reach out and send love out: Before starting my work day, I make it a point to reply to messages and connect with at least two people intentionally to check in or send them my love. Sending a simple message to let someone know I'm thinking of them makes sure I’ve attended my relationships every day.
  
  Most importantly, I’ve started my day sending some love out into the world which is the best frequency to start your day from!

Engaging in these practices awakens heartful energy by connecting to ourselves, others, nature, and something greater.

What practices do you vouch for to have the most connected morning?
Is there any of mine you want to take on? 
Reply to this email and let me know!

Remember: prioritizing connection this way in the morning can change the day.

With love, Essi

🫀 UPDATE: WHAT’S GOING ON IN CONNECTED YOU COMMUNITY? 🫀

Last Thursday, we held our very first Connected Circle: A Space to Be You at the Bath House, which is the first collaboration event for us. This circle is part of our initiatives as we are opening our community now, not just to be for women and wxmen only how it started, but everyone from all backgrounds, identities, beliefs, experiences and walks of life.

15 of us came together for two hours of connecting heart to heart, experience mindful listening and presence without devices.

What couple of people who joined us said:

I will update you once I know the date and time for next one.

We are working hard with my team at the moment on giving a new glam to our brand, website and re-visioning where we want to take this community this year.

Stay tuned! Exciting times lie ahead. 🙂