Do you adhere to a routine?
Over the past few years I have been diligent about my morning routine. This is coming from me, and I’m the first to recognize that routine and Sam have not walked hand in hand most of this lifetime. I have never had a full time job with an office or even an address. I began my career as a freelance fashion stylist at the age of 22 and when I made the transition to teaching yoga it was again not a regular gig.
And when I had twins at the ripe old age of 40 I was in a tailspin over how to give them some sense of structure when I knew nothing about how to give it to myself. Fast forward 10 years and we are still in a semi state of free fall. However, we are on the path..because I am on the path of self discovery and how that plays out in my life and those I need to care for.
Recently, I had this epiphany about structure and discipline being the foundation for freedom!! Wow! It still hits me so hard every time I contemplate why structure matters as much as it does. I think it is part of the reason I am drawn to the practice of Ashtanga Yoga. With it’s set structure of poses and the counting of breaths in between,I am able to fully lean into the freedom that lies within the discipline. Then again I am drawn to a creative vinyasa sequence to satisfy those impulsive, spontaneous qualities I possess.
Back to MY morning routine…
I wake up early because I am naturally an early riser but also because it is when I can get the best me time in before the day gets filled with unplanned activities.
I make a coffee or tea depending on the season then I write. I journal about whatever is going through my head and always write 3 things I am grateful for and why. I also write 20 affirmations. I am… On a great day I have time to meditate for between 10-20 min. On an average day I will meditate for 5 minutes. My key is consistency. It has taken me as long to understand the importance of being consistent as it has to understand why I need to work on self regulating and discipline. Another key for me is movement. Yoga is almost always my jam but I truly believe moving is an essential key to happiness.
So long story short … My morning routine looks a lot like writing, meditating, moving and if there is any time to spare before the kids get up I will read or listen to a podcast. Anything to spark the flames of inspiration and well being.