Shakira's mindfulness coach

Shakira’s mindfulness coach’s advice is so powerful: to connect with ourselves before we connect with the outside world (in this case via technology). To do whatever we need to do to set ourselves up for a good day first, before checking the phone.

I would expand this to say any form of checking out.

It's so easy to get up and check the phone or, (on the weekend) sit on the couch and read a book. In my house, those are forms of "checking out." But, becoming aware of how emotionally available/unavailable I am in every situation is an important awareness of my internal state.

Within every group, like my family for example, there is a place which *only* each member can fulfill. We need everyone to be emotionally available within the group for the groups sustainability and health. If I am emotionally unavailable in a situation, if I am 'checked out' of the group, it harms the health of the group. It is not sustainable, it is not healthy, to have people physically present but emotionally unavailable.
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This advice, to start the day with intention, before "checking out," changes my entire relationship to the day. For me, this means journaling first thing, followed by peaceful coffee on the couch.
What does it mean to you? How do you start your day with intention?
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“So I offered her a mindfulness trick, which is: Do not pick up your phone before you take care of what you need to start the day off on the right foot. So for her that’s spending time with her kids and getting in a good workout”