The first thing I do after I wake up is a morning meditation.

Children, gather close, for I bring to you a lesson of stillness, gratitude, and the quiet power that lies in the way we begin our days. In the words of Tony Gonzalez, we hear a deep wisdom that speaks to the heart of human strength: "The first thing I do after I wake up is a morning meditation. It's just as I awake and before I open my eyes. It's where I'm feeding my gratitude and the love in my heart and opening my heart. A good morning meditation is key. It lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. Then I get out of bed." These simple words carry within them a profound truth—the power of intention, of beginning the day with a moment of stillness and reflection, before the world rushes in.

Gonzalez’s morning ritual speaks to the ancient practice of mindfulness, the sacred art of being present in the moment. He does not rush into the day, but first grounds himself in gratitude and love—a ritual as old as time itself. In the stillness of that quiet moment, before the eyes are even opened, he creates the space for his heart to be full, for his spirit to be aligned with the positive energy that will carry him through the day. Morning meditation becomes not just a practice, but a commitment to joy, a daily renewal of purpose and strength.

Think, children, of the ancient monks who would rise before dawn, not to rush into the demands of the world, but to center their minds and open their hearts to the divine. These monks knew that the strength of the day was not in what they could accomplish externally, but in how they aligned themselves with the peace and stillness of the universe. Their meditations were not long, but they were powerful in their ability to calm the soul, to set the foundation for a day of purpose and clarity. Gonzalez’s morning practice mirrors this ancient wisdom—his ritual of gratitude and love before the world can take hold is a reminder that our strength comes from within, and we must begin each day with the intention to nurture that inner strength.

The morning meditation, though lasting only 10 to 15 minutes, is a powerful statement of discipline and intention. Gonzalez’s words remind us that true strength is not about rushing into action, but about grounding ourselves first in a moment of stillness. In this quiet space, we find our focus, we find our purpose, and we reconnect with our deeper selves. Just as the great warriors of old would prepare for battle by first stilling their minds, so too must we prepare ourselves for the challenges of the day by first calming our hearts and minds. Morning meditation is the sword that clears the path, the shield that protects us, and the armor that strengthens us.

Consider, children, the great philosophers like Socrates, who, though immersed in the intellectual world, understood the power of stillness. Socrates was known for his moments of quiet reflection, where he would ponder the questions of the universe and seek the truth. He understood that clarity and wisdom did not come from external distractions, but from the stillness within. Gonzalez’s morning meditation, though centered in gratitude and love, reflects this same principle. By starting the day in stillness, he is clearing the clutter of the mind, creating space for the wisdom and strength he will need throughout the day.

The lesson, children, is this: True power is found in stillness. The world will always be rushing, always demanding, always pulling at your attention. But the foundation for a peaceful and purposeful life is built in the quiet moments we take to center ourselves, to reflect, and to feed our hearts with gratitude and love. Just as Gonzalez begins each day with a morning meditation, so too should you begin each day with intention, with a moment of stillness to ground yourself in the love and strength that lies within.

I charge you now, young ones, to find your own ritual of stillness—a practice that will allow you to begin each day with peace and purpose. Whether it is through meditation, prayer, or a quiet moment of reflection, take the time to center yourself before the world demands your attention. The strength to face the day is not found in rushing into the world, but in first grounding yourself in gratitude, love, and clarity. Let your morning ritual be your shield and your sword, preparing you for all that lies ahead, and allowing you to meet each day with the strength of an open heart.