One. I am grateful for this new day. Every morning is a gift. But we often forget that caught up in our routines and worries. The Buddha once said, “Let us rise up and be thankful. For if we didn’t learn a lot today, at least we learned a little.” When you wake up, before you check your phone or think about your to-do list, simply say to yourself, “I am grateful for this new day.” Feel that gratitude in your heart for your breath, for your body, for the chance to begin again. Gratitude is the foundation. It opens your mind and softens your heart. Try this. Before getting out of bed, take three slow,deep breaths and silently repeat this affirmation. Start your day grounded in appreciation.
Two, I let go of yesterday. What happened yesterday is over. The arguments, the mistakes, the stress. They belong to the past. But many of us wake up still carrying yesterday’s weight. And that burden drains our energy. In Buddhist wisdom, attachment to the past is one of the roots of suffering. So each morning, remind yourself, I let go of yesterday. Let go of the regrets, the anger, the sadness.Imagine them dissolving with each exhale. Give yourself the freedom to begin fresh today. Because every morningis a small rebirth, a chance to choose peace over pain.
Three, I am calm and in control of my mind. The world will test you today with stress, with challenges, with distractions. But remember this, I am calm and in control of my mind. The Buddha taught, “Rule your mind or it will rule you.” Your mind can be your greatest friend or your greatest enemy, and the choice is yours. So before the chaos begins, anchor yourself in this affirmation. Feel the calmness within you. Know that no matter what happens outside, you have the power to choose peace inside. Try sitting in stillness for even one minute after waking up. Just breathing and reminding yourself of your inner strength.
Four, I will respond withkindness. Today, kindness is not just what you do. It’s how you carry yourself, how you speak, even how you think. When you start your day with the intention of kindness, you transform your world and the world around you. Say to yourself, “I will respond with kindness today.” Whether it’s with family, co-workers, strangers, or even yourself. The Buddha said, “Hatred does not cease by hatred, but only by love.” This is the eternal rule. By choosing kindness, you break the cycle of negativity and plant seeds of peace.Before you leave home, visualize at least one kind act you will do today, no matter how small. This simple intention can change the energy of your entire day.
Five. Everything is temporary. So I will enjoy this moment. Life is always changing. The good times, the hard times, nothing stays forever. In Buddhism, this is called ana or impermanence. So each morning remind yourself everything is temporary so I will enjoy this moment. If today is busy it will pass. If today is peaceful that too will pass. But right now this breath this sunrise this chance to be alive it is yours. Cherish it. As the old saying goes nothing is forever except change. So instead of resisting embrace this flow of life. Be present. Be grateful.
Bhikkhu K. Nanananda
“May all beings be safe from inner and outer dangers.”
“May all beings be healthy and strong.”
“May all beings be happy and peaceful.”
“May all beings live with ease.”
We are all Interconnected even with the Universe 