The mornings are still dark - is it a little harder to get out of bed, or is it just me? I decided I needed a new morning routine for a little 'winter reset'. I am happy to report that I am loving it. Before I share, I want to make it clear that I'm not (ever) suggesting that you do what I do; I want to share the concept and then invite you to ask yourself if there is some aspect of this that resonates with you. In this case would refreshing your morning (evening, lunchtime, any) routine serve you? If so, what one small thing can you do differently to tweak what you are doing?
So my new routine...
It's dark outside, I put on just enough light to get the kettle ready. I make my favorite tea (Bengal Spice - it's Chai-esque and oh it smells so good and it's so flavorful it doesn't even need milk or sugar).
While it's boiling/steeping I light the outdoor fire table on my balcony (I live in a condo).
I pop in my Airpods and put on 'Acoustic Happy Music' on Spotify - gotta love that surround stereo sound and with the pods, I'm not bothering anyone else.
I do yoga/stretching for 3 songs while watching the fire outside. I typically just make up the moves and do either whatever I can remember and/or what my body feels like it needs.
I put my tea in a mug I love (PSA - you can't over-steep Bengal Spice and it's also delicious cold!). I put a comfy chair in front of the fire, hold the warm tea in my hands and I just sit there. The fire is mesmerizing, I love how the reflection gives me the illusion of three fires. The other day a spider entertained me spinning an intricate web before my eyes. I'd like to call it meditation, but I think it may be more like being present and/or mindful - I aspire to meditate but I decide not to pressure myself. Just be still - that's enough. I hear the hum of the fridge, the tic of the clock. For me to 'do nothing' is a challenging big deal. I either set my timer for X number of minutes and increase it slowly as my schedule allows or set the stopwatch and see where I naturally stop. Not that it matters, but I'm currently at 15 minutes.
Finally, I write and/or read for a bit.
For me, it's been a fabulous way to look forward to getting up in the dark.
Do I do this every day? No, but more often than not!
And yes, it's much easier on the days I don't have little ones to look after or I'm not on the road; but even doing this a few times a week is serving me well.
Now...your life, your version, your plan...
Would refreshing, or establishing, your morning (lunchtime, evening, or any) routine serve you?
How do you want to feel anticipating your routine?
How do you want to feel post-routine?
How much time can you dedicate to it?
Do you need to enlist someone to support you?
How many days a week will you implement it?
Now - START! I hope it helps you look forward to those dark mornings!
Cheering for you, as always, Steph
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