“I have found that the wonder of life is often most easily recognizable through habits and routines…Order and discipline are important to meaning for me. Discipline, I have learned, leads to freedom, and there is meaning in freedom. If you don’t do ritual things in order, the paper doesn’t read as well, and you’ll be thrown off the whole day. But when you can sit for a while at your table, reach for your coffee, look out the window at the sky or some branches, then back down at the paper or a book, everything feels right for the moment, which is maybe all we have.”
― Stitches: A Handbook on Meaning, Hope and Repair
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The other day, I was thinking of my personal routines and what they give back to me. For example, I get up early each morning, always before Bonnie, and have a peaceful hour or two to read while enjoying my first cup of coffee. I also sometimes go for a long walk just before sunrise to enjoy the cooler temperatures and the early morning light. I’ve gotten used to these early routine mornings, and they provide me with a sense of peace and order. When circumstances prevent them from occurring, the day doesn’t feel quite right.
Many find solace in daily routines. Whether waking up at the same time every day, going for that morning jog or walk, grabbing a cup of coffee at a favorite spot, or reading before going to sleep, routines offer a sense of structure and familiarity that can be comforting.
For some, routines are a tool to regain control of their lives in uncertainty or anguish. When things seem beyond our control, sticking to a set routine can be a way to reclaim a sense of ownership.
Moreover, routines can offer a sense of normalcy during difficult times and help us feel more grounded when everything else seems chaotic. However, balancing our mental health and well-being with our routines is essential. After all, some people thrive on spontaneity and the excitement of not knowing what each day will bring.
Routines can also be a learning tool. Repeating something can make it become an intrinsic part of our lives, knowledge and skills.
When I made this photo, it was the only time I visited the park, but the impression I got of the gentleman sitting on this park bench in La Spezia, Italy, was that it may have been one of his routines. He seemed sad or contemplative, and every time I look at this photo, I wonder about his time there.
Does anyone have any interesting routines/habits with unique benefits they’d like to share?
Yes, I do. I also am an early riser. My morning routine consists of three short prayers before getting out of bed. Next a trip to the bathroom, dressing, making my bed, 20 minutes of prayer/meditation then reading and journaling. Next up is either time at a natural area or a coffee shop and many times both. My routine is flexible. My routines almost always include my camera. There are mornings when my journaling is done at a natural area or coffee shop. Anytime I skip/omit one of these my day can be out of sorts. I liken it to leaving the house with my underwear on backwards. I will be able to get through the day but things will be uncomfortable. However, I can stop at any time and change my underwear.
I also try to have a second 20 minute prayer/meditation time about midday. And, if the day is stressful or my thinking is stinking, I will add another 20 minute prayer/meditation time. Routines have always been a part of life, being instilled by my parents, school, military and working in a manufacturing facility.
You mention how you were reflecting on the effects of your personal routines and what they give back to you. I do also but I also know that I give the world something back when I keep these routines. If I’m in a better place mentally and emotionally then I will be a better person to encounter the world. Okay, that’s enough from me. Thank you for sharing your routines.
It’s evident to frequent readers of your blog, Monte, that you thrive on routines. I view this as a positive attribute, as it requires discipline, which I find admirable. I believe routines and creativity can be beneficial to each other. While I don’t “formally” pray, I do engage in moments of introspection (which I used to call daydreaming as a child) that could be interpreted as a form of prayer. In my opinion, one of the most significant contributions we can make to society is to strive towards self-improvement, as many individuals neglect this aspect of their lives.
Another topic for the coffee shop. Thanks for sharing your experiences and routines. It’s much appreciated!
It could be we need to drop the idea of “formal” prayer and let it be. And, you are spot on with this statement, “…one of the most significant contributions we can make to society is to strive towards self-improvement, as many individuals neglect this aspect of their lives.”
For our conversation, I totally agree!
If anything, I think I need to obtain some routines I can stick to. I have dabbled in things like breathing exercises, water intake tracking, Radio Taiso – but after awhile I fell out of the routine and need to find my way back. If anything, something that can simply be free of interruptions, because many times, interruptions really drive me crazy.
I find that the key to maintaining a routine is to focus on its benefits—for example, having a peaceful and organized hour, morning, or day or experiencing increased fitness and energy. Although interruptions can and do disrupt my routine, they are usually temporary. When Maggie was still alive, I had to adjust my morning routine to include her. Although it initially felt like an interruption, it soon became a natural part of my routine. Now that I am retired, it’s easier for me to stick to routines. An advantage to being an old fart, and there aren’t many. LOL
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Mark.