Thankful Thursday: Rituals

With Habit Comes Harmony

Nov 21, 2023

Rituals are the formulas by which harmony is restored. ~Mitch Albom

Getting out of bed in the morning sure has changed.

For one thing, it takes a lot longer. A series of stretches must be done before I get up, as my back and legs are a bit stiff.

But that's after removing the night splint I use to ease the plantar fasciitis in my right foot.

Of course, I must first remove the cotton gloves I wear at night to treat the dry skin of psoriasis. Otherwise, the gloves get stuck on the velcro straps of the night split.

Gone are the days when I hit the ground running. Running to get the kids off to school and myself to work. Thankfully, I didn't require stretching or anything else because there wasn't time.

Reflecting on those days and what I accomplished in twenty-four hours amazes me. These days, I have to pace myself or risk pulling a muscle.

I'm genuinely grateful for my morning coffee this week (and every day). And, more importantly, the time I have to enjoy it. Knowing the Keurig awaits is all the incentive I need to get out of bed despite the annoying delays.

What about a simple cup of Joe gets coffee lovers moving in the morning? One estimate says 64% of Americans drink coffee every day. Is it the bold taste of the beans or the caffeine rush? Is it the heady aroma that tantalizes our olfactory nerves?

I believe it combines all those things and the ritual itself. Humans are known to be creatures of habit. Our routines give us a sense of security and provide structure to our schedules and meaning to our everyday lives.

But, when we're younger, we often don't have the opportunity to enjoy them. Careers and family responsibilities take up much of our time and energy. That cup of coffee is usually gulped down from a travel cup as we make a hurried commute to our next destination.

For example, the young man in the above photo puts on his shoes as his coffee cools in the background. The buildings visible through the window signal that he lives in the city, and there's probably a steady stream of interesting people on the sidewalk below. If it were me, I'd be drawn to the window to relax, sip the java and people-watch. But he probably has to get to work, school, the gym, or elsewhere. He most likely won't be able to people-watch over a leisurely cup of coffee for another 30 years or so (except for vacations and days off.)

My daughter enjoys telling the story of finding a cold, half-drank mug of coffee in our microwave every day after school. I remember reheating it multiple times during morning rush hour. It was roughly ten oz. but I was never able to finish it.

These days, I have the luxury of less work and more time. The kids are grown and flown. I'm semi-retired, and writing provides the freedom to work when I'm able. Housework doesn't require the same amount of time because there are fewer people to clean up after. Everything is more manageable, and my hobbies and ongoing projects fill up any voids that come along.

The morning routine is slowly enjoying my cup of Joe planning the day's chores and activities according to my schedule. While this schedule now demands some age-related tasks like morning stretches, it also allows a little dreaming over a second and, sometimes, a third cup of coffee.

And that's a ritual we can all get behind!

xoxo

(NOTE: This post was published on August 4, 2022. I’m reposting it with minor edits and wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Whether having a large, boisterous celebration or a small, quiet gathering, I hope you enjoy peace and blessings on this holiday.

(If you can spare a minute, please vote on the poll below…thanks!)

WHAT DO YOU THINK?

Is there a daily ritual that restores YOUR harmony?

Thankful Thursday: Rituals

With Habit Comes Harmony

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