My Upgraded Morning Practice

Level up, level up with an upgrade! I find a difference between a routine and a practice and a common denominator between the two.

This blog is about how the art and science of repetition can restore or disrupt our mornings. Today, I get to share what I've learned from being in home transition and how it has enriched my morning flow.

The most significant difference between a routine and practice is in the meaning I attach to it. I grew up mocking my mother's fast morning routine, and I wondered why she was still in a hurry after waking up early and having things set up the night before. I chose to sleep in and wake up late, and we left the house at the same time.

She felt stressed, and I felt happy!

Fast forward to the past 5-7 years, I have gone from rigorous routines that I called rituals and practice to making a full circle. I can call it whatever I want; the habit(s) behind it is what has influenced the rhythm of my mornings.

And it continues to evolve as I evolve. 

I have chosen a lifestyle that allows me to travel, and over the years, I've had the opportunity to let go of things I thought were essential and welcome the unexpected. Life is a journey of valleys, so one of the first things I have upgraded in myself is flexibility.

What season am I in?

This past month I was transitioning from states and homes; therefore, blooming where I'm staying was vital. Whether at a hotel, Airbnb, family's home, etc. Things look and feel different depending on the season, whether in the weather or stages of our lives.

I get to embrace my present.

And the one thing that makes my heart smile and brings me to my presence is, yes, you guessed it - coffee! The main reason is that I get to take my time preparing it. Smelling the beans, grinding them, boiling the water, and setting the tray for my quiet morning. The second thing I have upgraded is embracing silence.

Especially when I'm alone and it's quiet.

It may look different when in transition, especially when you live with someone or you're visiting someone. The main benefit is the time and space I create for reflection and intention. I love when someone hands me a cup of coffee or tells me, "coffee is ready!" as well. One thing remains, Patty gets caffeinated! And she retreats to a corner.

What is your morning starter?

I love to start with yoga and my steel mace practice when I'm home. Traveling with these two items is challenging, especially a big black weapon-like item. There are times when I use towels when I'm at hotels. (Babe, if you're reading this, I will neither deny nor confirm that I have used your towel in the past)

There are times when we get to be creative.

I get it, at my own expense, yes, yes. I do my best to keep the momentum. Stretching feels fantastic; it helps me to become one with my body and breath. This is the time I say, "I am steadfast." I'm the girl people said lived in her head and never finished what she started. This is my time to remind myself of my true source, my breath, his breath, God's spirit.

What anchors you to your purpose?

Prayer is fundamental for me. I am in the school of thought of planning and letting go instead of using God as a genie in a bottle, and I did that for way too long. I have found that God blesses my decisions, and I want things to move faster than he does.

Waiting is a way of Life.

My current home is a mixture of my last two years of prayers on paper. Things do align at perfect timing. I created The Journer from a five-year self-experiment for an entrepreneur's productivity and lifestyle, so I believe in goal-setting. And the latest and most valuable upgrade has been faith.

Planning and preparing to wait for the right time

So the primary habit that keeps me in rhythm for my morning is setting essential staples of my practice that lead me to appreciation and gratitude. Joy and contentment have a way of anchoring my soul. So in recap, coffee (or "cafecito" as my husband Jimmy and I like to call it), intentional breath, and writing.

What brings a smile to your face?

Steal my ideas, watch the YouTube videos, and experiment with what brings you JOY. Last week I finished Finding Joy, a 3-part series blog.

Please let me know what you liked about this blog and share it with a friend.

Love,

Me.