Recently, I’ve adopted the practice of meditating when I wake up in the morning. It’s not always possible, but I try my best to squeeze in even a few minutes. I’ve found this practice especially helpful this weekend because of the ice storm in Ontario (it’s supposed to be spring, for goodness’ sake!)

It’s easy to feel blue when it’s cold and dark outside, and you’re staying at home all day because it’s too dangerous to go out. Practicing meditation has taught me to become more mindful and look into myself to find what makes me happy.

That’s why I chose this photo I took from the Qingyuan Jiulong Town Garden in Guangzhou, China for this week’s photo challenge theme, Awakening. It inspires me to become like the sunflower who tracks the sunlight to grow everyday.

I wake up everyday by becoming aware of my happiness.

During my morning meditations, I try to think of a focus for the day – something to improve on, do something that makes me happy, etc. Being mindful of yourself and the world allows you to allocate your time and effort throughout the day. Then, you can work on what makes you happy and what you excel at to succeed!

“Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows. It’s what the sunflowers do.” – Helen Keller

How do you like to start your day?