April 04, 2014

Easing into the day, gently . . .

Do you rush into your day headlong?
Setting a Morning routine to ease gently into the day
Oh my, I used to do just that, my mornings would be such a jumble & a rush
 1. Diving straight into the studio deal with my e-mails  
2. Going off on tangents, being distracted by a piece of work or research
3. Forgetting to drink my morning coffee
4.  Rushing about feeling stressed and out of sorts
5. Surfacing several hours later having not done half of the things I had meant to!

 So I decided no more, "what would I really like my morning to feel like?"
Relaxed, waking up to the day slowly,  taking time to ease into my day.
 So I set about making it happen, and now I start my day with a lovely studio morning routine
I make sure I take an hour out of my morning to

1. Put on some calming, music from my You-Tube channel
2. Light one of my homemade candles
3. Drink my coffee from one of my fave little mugs I have collected
4. Light one of my favourite incense sticks a "Nag Champa"
5. Spend just half an hour with my sketchbook doodling or writing in my journal.

What a difference! By making just a little gentle "me" time in the morning,
it allows me to settle into the day, find my feet and  relax.
My whole day takes on a different feel and I'm ready to go.

Do you have a morning routine that eases you into your day, I'd love to know what others do!

22 comments:

  1. It sounds like a wonderful idea. :) I think after spending years of getting children ready in the mornings, we expect the mornings to still be a mad rush even though they're grown and maybe not even living at home any more! I love your mug (I might have mentioned before my own favourite mug looks very much like that one) and that ring is so beautiful. I shall have to remember to take a leaf out of your book and ease into the day. I have a to-do list but too often forget to even look at it in my usual state of confusion in the mornings!
    Jess x

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    1. I think thats so true Jess, yes after years of having to rush about bringing up my three it's taken me ages to realise I don't "have" to rush anymore lol. Cool we have "matching almost" mugs, i looove my mugs. x x

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  2. These little rituals mean so much.
    Jacqui x

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  3. There is such a contrast between mornings when I must get up, get the fire good and stoked and get out of the house for the long, hour and a half drive to my teaching job and the days when I am here. I Get up a bit earlier on teaching days than I might, but that allows me a few moments to sit with the fire as it is starting. But then I am rushing, shower, breakfast, pack up, make sure the wood stove is good and loaded before leaving for the long day. Other days, like today, I get up, brew the coffee, light the fire and write in my journal, read books or blogs for a bit before starting the day. I feel more grounded and mindful and my days flow with more presence. However, I can also tend to procrastinate, get up late and then not get out of morning mode for a long while!

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    1. Valerianna, your working days sound so busy, that's a long drive to have to make. All the more reason for you to enjoy your procrastination I should think. Like Jess says, after a lifetime of rushing about like a mad thing it's hard to remember to slow down, yet perhaps it makes us more appreciative of the quiet times.

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  4. I try to sometimes, but other times I just dive in any old how. It's amazing if you take the time to do this, set the atmosphere, it really does have an effect on the whole day. Sometimes I go outside and pick some fresh flowers or greenery to bring in, that always helps I find too. I think it's the action of gentle routine and slowing the mind down, which enables you to concentrate better. Beautiful pictures Ruthie, I wouldn't want to leave or do anything else with a room like that. :) x

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    1. Thank you KAren, I was diving in every day in and getting so caught up in trivail stuff, I have to really make an effort to get back into the slow routne, Im trying to remember that I get more done when Ihave a gentle routine. hee hee, i do looove my wee room ;)

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  5. I like the sound of your 'me time' routine, calm and very serenic. Mine is to rise with the birdsong, usually around 6am - out in the garden whatever the weather with a cup of tea and my cat for company... If it's winter I put my fake fur and boots on! Sit and listen, watch the birds coming in and relax. More tea, wake the family - off to the gym or work. But I'm not perfect, don't want to sound smug, I also eat about 10 biscuits and don't always make it to the gym!

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    1. Betty, you morning routine sounds beautiful, it is a lovely thing to be awake early and hear the birds waking, always reminds me of my Grandad who first gave me that experience.

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  6. Hhhhmmmm ~ your "revised" morning routine looks quite inviting....

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  7. I love the drawings and the candles and your idea of being intentional about making time for you in the morning. But how does one forget to drink their coffee? I enjoy your blog!

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    1. Thank you Ginny, I don't knw I'm always gettign distracted and it's a standing family joke that I leave hald drunk cups of tea & coffee wherever I go!

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  8. Many thanks for this reminder, Ruthie! So easy to think of this kind of self-care time as "lost." But I guess it's like love -- the more you give, the more you have.

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    1. What a lovely way to look at it Jeffrey, thank you.

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  9. your new morning ritual sounds wonderful
    the perfect foundation for the rest of the day
    quite inspiring

    xo

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  10. I love the peace and beauty that emanates from your photos. The most powerful thing that we can do each and every day is to set intentions of what we want to experience from our daily life. In this way we become the master creators of our life experience.

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  11. Occasionally at this time of year I'll set the alarm for around 5.30 am, get a quick coffee and plate of porridge then head out my back garden into Doonhill Woods. Five minutes listening to the dawn chorus sets me up for the day.............trouble is I'll often ignore the alarm !

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  12. That sounds like a wonderful morning routine Ruthie! Love your candles by the way.. I always love watching the shapes change as they melt.
    My morning routine starts with 2 hours of running around, waking people up, seeing them off and ferrying them to school. My time, when I get home from the school run, starts with feeding the birds and now that the weather is warming up the fish too, then diving into whatever the day holds. Not usually very relaxing.. But I HAVE started burning my incense (also nag champa :) and listening to relaxing music on youtube while I work, it's really mellowing me out! Must go check out your youtube channel, thanks for the link xx

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  13. p.s. love the new springlike banner :)
    xx

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  14. Do you know, I don't think I do have a morning routine - at least not a mindful one like yours. But your description and your photographs make it all sound so inviting, I think I should make one! Something to think about.

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    1. Janice, do let me know if you decide to find a morning practice, I'm always intrigued about what others find helps ease them into their day.

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