Align yourself with the energy of the day

The Apache Native Americans have a strong spiritual tradition based on their belief that every action, word and thought is an opportunity to connect with the Great Circle of Life. In their culture, meditation does not mean turning inwards for contemplation and self-examination and closing down to stillness and absence of thought.

It means opening yourself up to the earth's energies, feeling them flow through you and fill you up, while listening to what the Universe is telling you. They call these signals from nature 'signposts'.

This daily breathing and meditation practice is designed to align you with the unique essence of each day. Live in the day: do not look backwards to the day before or forwards to the day yet to come. By allowing your spirit to flow out into nature, and welcoming the messages, impressions, feelings and energies back into you via your breath, you will start your day feeling centred and peaceful.

Create a sacred space

This can be inside or outside your home. It can be as basic as a favourite window with a view that you like, or a plant or painting that always gives you pleasure when you look at it. It should be a spot where you feel safe and comfortable, where you can lower your guard and just be yourself.

Breathe in a circle

Stand in your sacred space. Imagine that you are at the centre of a large wheel, with four spokes radiating out from your feet. These are the four points of the compass. Breathe in deeply, moving both arms inwards in a slow, circular, scooping motion, as if you were giving someone a warm, welcoming hug. Then breathe out and release your arms, opening your chest and closing your eyes. Do this four times, once for north, east, south and west.

Welcome the day

Feel the different energies flowing in from the four points of the compass you have just addressed. Be ready to go wherever the day wants to take you.

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