One of the simplest ways to start and end your day, while ensuring you remain on the right path, can be as simple as sipping a glass of water mindfully. When you wake up, it starts your body working with the idea of cleanliness, health and calm. When you go to bed, it helps you flush all the events of that day out so that your body and mind can process them while you get a restful night of sleep.
    
Physically, a mindful glass of water helps you flush out the impurities you have acquired living in our modern world. Mentally, a mindful glass of water helps you release the stress and worries of your day, so that you can literally put it all to bed. It is a reminder that whatever happened, happened. That there is nothing you can do about it except to let the waters work their magic, as you move on to the next adventure that awaits you.
     
The best part is, you do not need to buy anything special. All you need is a glass and some water. You can even create a small ceremony for yourself after your evening sip by filling and covering your glass with a clean napkin at night, putting today to bed, and giving yourself a gift to wake up to in the morning as you welcome the new day before you.
     
When you drink, do not simply pour the water into your mouth. Sip it mindfully. Take a moment to look at the glass as you slow your breathing down and become aware of your breath. Let go of any thoughts in your mind as you see the glass, see the water, and drop in on the image before you. Breathe in and appreciate the clarity of the water. Breathe out and feel whatever stress or tension you may have, flow out with it. Breathe in and feel your mind accept the clarity. Feel the temperature of the water through the glass. Feel yourself smile at the calm it creates.

Take your time and think of the water as a doorway into your day. Smile into it as you sip and feel that smile opening up into your heart. Do not drink it all at once, but give yourself permission to stop and breathe between sips. Remember the mindfulness that is within you as you start and end your day. Think of the glass of water as a mirror for your own intentions as you allow them to fill your body. Whether those intentions are for a good night’s sleep, or to re-fortify and recharge yourself for the day ahead, accept them and welcome them.

When you are done, gently place the empty glass down and continue to breathe in and out, down and up. Take your glass over to your sink and wash it out, breathing in and out to yourself as you wipe it dry for the next use.

Drinking a glass of water mindfully creates a boundary through this simple ceremony that will help you separate your day from your night, your work from your dreams. It will also help to ensure that you are drinking enough water throughout your day. And in time, it will help you turn every glass of water, whether drunk at your desk or at a restaurant, into a reminder to slow down and appreciate that moment for what it is.

Jeff Cannon is a Modern American Monk, and the author of numerous books on meditation, spirituality and wellness. He is a member of NYU Medical Center’s Patient Advisory Council as well as a contributor to Huffington Post, MindBodyGreen and countless other blogs and websites. He has survived nine brain surgeries that removed more than 20 brain tumors. Following his last surgery, Jeff could not see, speak or stand. Over the years, he has watched his brain reboot itself again and again, giving Jeff a unique, first hand view into the innerworkings of the brain. It also stirred him to dedicate his life to integrate Western Science and Eastern Philosophy in a way that makes sense for the modern world. Learn more at www.simple-truth.com.