To the Morning

That's one of my favorite Dan Fogelberg songs. "Yes, it's going to be a day, there is really nothing left to say but c'mon morning." I think Dan's sentiments were more lofty than mine; to me, it's always felt like, "well damn, I guess I have to face the day now." And I grudgingly stumbled out of sleep.

I’m lately realizing, perhaps accepting, because I’ve known it for a long time; that I do not like my mornings. Generally, lacking in self-discipline, my habit has been to sleep until the last possible moment, jump up, stumble to the computer, then have a hot bath, drip dry for a minute, throw on something (who knows what) and race out the door. I leave without pulling myself together spiritually or emotionally. I’m not physically ready and I’ve no plan for the day. We won't even discuss what I look like! This, obviously, is not a great way to begin daily creation. And, we can look at those (rotten) habits and see so many pitfalls. I don’t eat, then complain about having no energy, I don’t prepare lunch, then complain about having to eat fast food and I grab a soda to make up the energy deficit. All the while I tell myself and everyone else, that I’m trying to stop drinking soda. Not a plan for success, eh?

I’ve read many different books, essays, blogs and heck, I’m sure I’ve even seen infomercials about how to organize the day, how to setup for success. Why am I still sleeping until the last possible minute and wasting what little time is left sitting at my computer? I’d like to tell you that’s when I read blogs, get myself inspired and tap in to Universal energy but that would be a lie. Truth is, I play freecell! Shameful, huh? I have realized that I play freecell because I’m not yet clear enough to do anything else. So, something has to change because I carry this unclarity with me throughout the day often only coming to life sometime after noon.

Irritated with myself today I put some thought into this dilemma and I recalled having seen mention of Zen Habits over at Desperately Seeking Serenity – so I went there and did I little search. Wow! Okay, I’m not getting up at 4:30 in the morning. Nope, not gonna happen, not now anyway! But I did like reading his morning routine. I was inspired; that routine looks doable once I got past the 4:30 AM part. Then I drilled down further and found some other inspiring suggestions. I married those with my own thoughts and came up with this: The morning sets the tone. Can it be that it’s taken me 50 years to realize that? So, it doesn’t matter so much that I can’t do a whole yoga routine or meditate for an hour, I don't have to do Tai Chi dancing in the front yard ala' Al Huang – but it does matter that I do it…something, anything to put a sweet and centered taste in my heart. Here’s the plan I’ve created – it’s only in my heart right now, but I am determined to see it become reality.

1. 6 AM – wake

I do this already, I just usually glance at the clock and go back to sleep. I tried to fool myself in the past that I was meditating.

2. Drink water

I haven’t been doing this; I’ve often started but it never “sticks”

3. Feed birds

I can chat with them a few minutes while I’m drinking my water and stretching

4. Stretch

Even if it’s just a minute or two, I find that opening the door to the outside encourages me

5. Meditate

Honestly, I don’t have a lot of hope for this, so, I’ve labeled it “meditate” but I have a backup plan – I will find Five Good Things if stillness evades me

6. Shower

I like baths, not showers, but you all know that a bath is relaxing while a shower is invigorating and goodness knows, I need some invigorating!

7. Eat breakfast

I am never going to make eggs, even oatmeal is sometimes too challenging for me in the morning; but I can manage toast and yogurt!

8. Plan my MIT

I lifted this from Zen Habits – MIT - Most Important Things. For me, one personal, one professional and one “other” thing that MUST be done – you know those things, and I don’t mean scrub the toilet either)

9. 7 AM - check email and blogs

This is my reward but I also draw inspriation from your blogs; I believe I'm becoming more centered and creative since I've been reading "you." And, I feel a sense of community and connectedness. Nice reward.

10. Dress

I'll not say much about this - I'm not fond of "trying to look nice" for work but perhaps this will improve as I iron out my mornin routine.

11. Go outside

I find this soothing, cheering and who knows, maybe it will develop into CONSISTENTLY going for a walk

12. 7:40 Leave for work

Of course, I think success here is tied to having a good evening routine. For instance, I did not pack my lunch in this schedule; hopefully I will get inspired enough to do that in the evening. As I look at it, the schedule seems to be balanced with things that should be done, and things I want to do. What are your morning routines? Are you happy with it? I’d love to get some inspiration from your routines.