The beautiful serenity of a good night’s rest can be quickly shattered by an alarm clock or an uptight spouse.

I have taken many classes in meditation, yoga, d0-in, and have developed a morning routine that works well for me. Here’s what I normally do…

1) Open the shade and window, and breathe in deeply while gazing at the rising sun in my woodsy backyard (I am lucky)

2) Sit up straight and breathe, then give myself a masssage from my head and face to my neck, shoulders, arms and hands, to my shakras (7 altogether), to my legs and feet.

3) Then I do a frog stretch, and a table with extension, then give myself a footrub, while breathing consciously.

4) Then I do hip flexors, jump up and do exercises for my shoulders with rubber bands, as I do my 12 line affirmation that I keep on the dresser.

5) After putting on breakfast (usually miso soup and rice, sometimes with sauteed veggies), I go outside to get the newspaper, and do more breathing, stretching, a little more do-in, and walk either a few paces or a full :15 (if I have time and kitchen coverage). Otherwise I do a nice walk in the woods a little later

6) Finally, I do a body rub (read The Great Life Diet for a full description, http://www.skyboard.net/greatlife/) before my shower, which opens up the pores, gives attention to my body, and helps get rid of dead skin.

All of this takes less than :40, but keeps me happy and healthy and motivated.

What is your morning exercise routine?