With the theme open heart and mind October I decided to recently start the Tone It Up 21 day challenge. It was and is not surprising the biggest daily challenge is finding the motivation to get moving. Often amidst a challenge we seek out what’s familiar and for me that familiarity is a morning ritual.
Sunrise in ATL with the recent harvest full moon
While the term “ritual" is often associated with mindless routine, I offer that a ritual allows the mind a bit of space for creativity and serenity while the muscle memory allows the familiar tasks to move more efficiently. Undoubtedly, we might have all experienced the creative spark while in the seemingly mundane shower. Personally, the morning ritual has become a space of reflection and comfort. Whether it is the calm after a meditation session, the nurturing effects of a warm cappuccino, or the palate cleansing sensation of kombucha, the morning ritual rather than mindless has become an important mindful moment of the day.
Meditation space
Staples of my personal formula (I have no financial interest in any of the products listed) have been a space for mediation. I use the Headspace app for guidance and have used it not just as part of the morning ritual but when I have difficulty falling asleep, finding focus or even when I need to unwind. For those new to or skeptical of meditation, this app has a free introduction to the basics of meditation and the variety of meditations have made it my go to app.
Love your mind.
Up next is hydration! Usually, a great big glass of water and kombucha (a personal favorite is Health-Ade). Lastly, but certainly not least, a variation of an espresso-based coffee, and lately cappuccino has been the beverage of choice. For a little indulgence a biscuit or cantucci on the side is nice.
Simple hydration - Water, cappuccino and biscuit, and kombucha
As life happens, the rest is variable. Food varies, sometimes granola, other days a smoothie, whatever it may be the key staples are there to ground in that morning solitude. Sure the dog finds it convenient to say good morning with a wet nose right as the meditation gets deep or there’s no milk and the cappuccino becomes an espresso, whatever the changes or distractions may be, I find coming back and looking forward to the joy and simplicity of a morning ritual.
Do you have a morning ritual? If so, would love to hear what’s in yours!
Till next time, nomnom and om on. ST.