Sunrise Gratitude Stretch

My favorite time of the day is early morning, just as the sun is changing the color of the sky. I step barefoot onto the deck with my feline friend, set my hot cup of coffee down and prepare for "my" sunrise gratitude stretch.

Begin by placing your feet together and hands in prayer position. As you take a deep breath, move your hands up over your head and reach to the sky. As you exhale, extend your arms in a swan dive while bending over to touch your toes, and then slowly roll your body up to beginning position. The most important part of the Sunrise Gratitude Stretch is with every inhaled breath you feed your mind with positive thoughts and with every exhaled breath you allow negative thoughts to exit your body.

For example, "(inhale) I am strong, (exhale) I release my fears, (inhale) I am creative, (exhale) I release self-doubt, (inhale) I am grateful for my family, (exhale) I release control over their actions, (inhale) I am open to new ideas, (exhale) I release making things too complicated ... you get this picture? Focus on 10 deep breathes and positive thoughts about yourself, your work, family, friends or goals. Let whatever thoughts enter and exit your mind happen. Your mind will be refreshed, your body energized and your soul content. The Sunrise Gratitude Stretch is the best five to 10 minutes you give yourself each day to recharge your mind, body and spirit.