Routine vs. Ritual

Even writing the words I can feel the difference, but I'd like to capture my thinking on the two.

Everywhere you look these days there are references to 'own the day' by having a 'morning routine' so you can 'crush it'. I tried for years to stick to a morning routine that sped me through #allofthethings that I needed to do before 8 am...

Make my bed, drink adaptogens rather than coffee, do yoga and meditate, write out my gratitude list and review my plans for the day, say my power words, brush my teeth, shower dress, feed and take the dogs for a walk... whew... I don't know about you in the morning, but after cramming all of that into an hour I need a nap!

There is nothing wrong with a morning routine... that one or any other that works for you. But it never worked for me. It was out of flow with my energy.

I find ritual to be much more in line with my unique energy flow.

Ritual actions done in honor of something higher.

Instead of the box of a routine. The hard-line of pass/ fail. Binary; I did it or I didn't... I find that ritual offers me the intention of honoring my highest self and well being, while also leaving room for what serves me in the moment.

I can choose tea or coffee, it's the ritual and my presence when I pick up the cup of hot liquid that matters. I can choose to write in my journal or on my laptop, it's the presence with my thoughts and energy that matters.

I am not bound to a binary action. I am in flow with what feels good and nourishing, that's what fuels me. That's what matters most to me. Sometimes it takes an hour and I'm on to other things. Some days it takes all morning to feel complete... navigating interruptions and life surprises. But always, the ritual.

Centering, honoring, presence. That is my purpose, my intent.

I choose ritual over routine.