There’s a stark difference between mindlessly going through the motions in the morning and starting your day with purpose and attention.

The difference can be attributed to mindfulness. Mindfulness isn’t just about being present in the moment. It’s about observing your thoughts, feelings, and actions without judgement.

Morning habits can be a great indicator of one’s level of mindfulness. And as someone who’s spent years studying and practicing mindfulness and Buddhism, I’ve observed certain habits that seem to be common among those who embody a high level of mindfulness.

Let me share with you 8 morning habits that I believe indicate a high level of mindfulness. Don’t worry, I won’t be preaching or lecturing. Just sharing some insights from my own journey and observations.

1) Mindful people meditate

You’d be hard-pressed to find a practice more associated with mindfulness than meditation.

And it’s no surprise why. Meditation is a powerful tool for training the mind to focus and redirect thoughts, and it’s been a cornerstone of mindfulness practices for millennia.

But here’s the thing: not all people who meditate are mindful, but almost all mindful people meditate. And this habit often starts first thing in the morning.

For many, morning meditation is a non-negotiable part of their daily routine. It sets the tone for their day, helping them to approach each moment with awareness and non-judgment.

If you’re looking to gauge someone’s level of mindfulness, take note of whether they dedicate time each morning to sit quietly and observe their thoughts and sensations.

It’s not about clearing your mind or achieving some Zen state, but about being fully present in the moment – that’s the essence of mindfulness.

2) They start the day with gratitude

Gratitude is another common trait among highly mindful individuals. But I’m not talking about the occasional “thank you.” I mean a conscious, deliberate practice of identifying and appreciating the good in their lives.

For me personally, each morning starts with a simple gratitude exercise. It could be as straightforward as jotting down three things I’m grateful for, or spending a few moments consciously appreciating the warmth of my morning tea.

Why is this so important? Well, as the renowned Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green Earth in the present moment, to appreciate the peace and beauty that are available now.”

When we start our day with gratitude, we’re tuning into that present moment and acknowledging the beauty right in front of us. It’s a powerful habit that can transform your perspective and deepen your mindfulness.

3) They make time for silence

In our bustling, noise-filled world, silence can seem as elusive as a rare gem. Yet, those who exhibit a high level of mindfulness often deliberately carve out time for silence each morning.

Silence isn’t just about the absence of sound. It’s about creating space – space to breathe, to reflect, to just be. In Buddhist wisdom, silence is seen as a pathway to self-discovery and a deeper understanding of life’s truths.

But let’s be honest here. Embracing silence isn’t always comfortable. It can bring us face-to-face with thoughts and emotions we’d rather ignore. Yet, that’s exactly where its power lies.

By spending time in silence each morning, we’re giving ourselves the chance to confront these thoughts and emotions with courage and mindfulness. It’s not easy, but it’s definitely worth it.

4) They practice mindful eating

Mindful eating is another morning habit of highly mindful individuals. But let’s be real here. In the rush of the morning, it’s often tempting to gulp down our breakfast while scrolling through emails or news feeds.

Yet, those who are truly mindful approach eating differently. It’s not just about fueling the body. It’s about savoring each bite, noticing the textures and flavors, and being fully present in the experience.

Sounds simple, right? But in reality, it’s anything but. Our minds are often elsewhere, caught up in plans for the day or lingering on past events.

Mindful eating is a commitment to bring our attention back to the present moment, back to the food in front of us. It might take practice, but it’s a powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and start your day on a positive note.

5) They engage in mindful movement

Mindful movement is another morning habit often found in highly mindful people. It could be yoga, tai chi, or simply a mindful walk around the block. The key is to be fully present in each movement, tuning in to how your body feels.

I’ve always been a big fan of starting my day with some form of mindful movement. It helps me to shake off any lingering sleepiness and brings a sense of calm and clarity that carries through the rest of my day.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve deeper into the concept of mindfulness and how it can transform our lives. One of the key practices I advocate for is mindful movement.

Giving your morning a mindful start doesn’t just set you up for a more focused and productive day, but it also helps cultivate a deeper connection with yourself. It’s definitely worth giving it a try if you haven’t already.

6) They set intentions for the day

Mindful individuals often start their day by setting intentions. This isn’t about crafting a to-do list or setting lofty goals. It’s about deciding how you want to feel, act, and be in your day.

Let’s be honest here. It can be all too easy to rush into the day without a second thought, letting circumstances dictate our mood and actions. But that’s not what mindfulness is about.

In both Buddhism and mindfulness teachings, there’s a great emphasis on purposeful living. By setting an intention each morning, we’re not just planning our day, we’re consciously choosing the energy we want to bring into it.

It’s about creating a mental framework that guides our actions and reactions throughout the day. It might not always go as planned, but it’s a powerful practice to cultivate mindfulness and live more intentionally.

7) They embrace imperfections

A key aspect of mindfulness is accepting things as they are, and that includes our own imperfections. It’s not about striving for a perfect morning routine or beating ourselves up when things don’t go as planned.

Let’s face it, life can be messy. Our mornings can be filled with unexpected disruptions, and it’s unrealistic to expect perfection. But here’s where mindfulness comes in.

As the famous mindfulness expert Jon Kabat-Zinn said, “You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” This means recognizing that challenges and imperfections are part of life, but we can choose how we respond to them.

Mindful individuals embrace their imperfect mornings with grace and patience, seeing them as opportunities to practice acceptance and resilience.

It’s not about having a perfect morning, but about being present and mindful in whatever morning you have.

8) They disconnect to connect

In a world that’s always on, it might seem counterintuitive to start your day by disconnecting. Yet, that’s exactly what many mindful individuals do.

Before the flood of emails, notifications, and news updates begin, they take time to disconnect from the digital world and connect with themselves. This could be through meditation, a walk in nature, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

It’s not about shunning technology or being anti-social. It’s about creating a space for mindfulness and self-connection before the demands of the day kick in.

In fact, this disconnection can actually enhance our ability to connect with others throughout the day.

By starting the morning grounded in our own presence, we’re better able to engage fully and mindfully with the world around us.

There you have it – eight morning habits that indicate a high level of mindfulness.

Remember, mindfulness isn’t about perfection or ticking off a checklist. It’s about being fully present in each moment and approaching life with an open, non-judgmental mindset.

If you’re interested in exploring this further, I dive deeper into these concepts in my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego.

Ultimately, cultivating mindfulness is a personal journey. It’s not about comparing ourselves to others, but about finding what works best for us. So give these habits a try and see what resonates with you. Here’s to a more mindful morning and a more mindful life!