I’m a broken record, I am sure, speaking often and openly about the need for simplicity. What I believe, is that it’s something that can be extremely healing, and that it can be something we practice. No one said a word about jumping headfirst into a life of total simplicity, no one says you have to sell it all off and begin again. We can ease into this, we can practice, we can add mindfulness to the mix so the lessons we’re trying to teach ourselves actually stick, actually resonate. For me, I begin each morning with a routine that reminds me of this striving for simplicity, that centers me and puts me ready for whatever else is to come. It’s breakfast, kids, the most important meal of my day.
For me is making my bed. That small ritual gives me peace of mind in the mornings. And prepping it for bedtime. I love little things that we do every day that brings us joy.
For me it’s the familiar relaxed daily routines that give us immense pleasure. For example, if we can’t have our usual breakfast, we really miss it. Same for afternoon espresso together at 3:00 along with a sweet treat — I add a double-shot of cognac afterwards. The things we always do are not boring to us at all! They give us comfort and pleasure and a feeling of continuation and community.
I strive for this in lots of ways, but what is most routine for me is my evening shower. I love the whole process of stepping into a hot shower, feeling the water on my skin, feeling the day wash away. I love all the sensations. I love emerging feeling clean and refreshed. Then putting lotion on my skin and putting on my pajamas. I love how calm and peaceful I feel afterwards. Winding down from the day in my own little ways has always been important to me.
Lockdown and COVID this last year has cemented my rituals. Waking up early to walk the dog, to see the clear beautiful sky and stars before the sun comes over the mountains. This time to still my mind is a reboot in readiness for my day. The smells of the flowers and the freshness in the newborn day are a deep pleasure, as is watching the moon in its phases as it sets. The morning starts then, with a simple breakfast, coffee, news update and a great book....Peace prevails.
For me is making my bed. That small ritual gives me peace of mind in the mornings. And prepping it for bedtime. I love little things that we do every day that brings us joy.
For me it’s the familiar relaxed daily routines that give us immense pleasure. For example, if we can’t have our usual breakfast, we really miss it. Same for afternoon espresso together at 3:00 along with a sweet treat — I add a double-shot of cognac afterwards. The things we always do are not boring to us at all! They give us comfort and pleasure and a feeling of continuation and community.
———
a routine is good
it brings comfort and pleasure
builds community
and bonds us as family
in a very joyful way
———
breakfast — every day
we’ll eat the very same thing
a cup of yogurt
a banana and coffee
and eggs with toast on Sunday
———
that is really all it takes
to make us really happy
———
I strive for this in lots of ways, but what is most routine for me is my evening shower. I love the whole process of stepping into a hot shower, feeling the water on my skin, feeling the day wash away. I love all the sensations. I love emerging feeling clean and refreshed. Then putting lotion on my skin and putting on my pajamas. I love how calm and peaceful I feel afterwards. Winding down from the day in my own little ways has always been important to me.
Lockdown and COVID this last year has cemented my rituals. Waking up early to walk the dog, to see the clear beautiful sky and stars before the sun comes over the mountains. This time to still my mind is a reboot in readiness for my day. The smells of the flowers and the freshness in the newborn day are a deep pleasure, as is watching the moon in its phases as it sets. The morning starts then, with a simple breakfast, coffee, news update and a great book....Peace prevails.