Routines and rituals

I know it's a strange, but I was so glad to wake up and go to work this morning. And while I have a good job that lets me support myself pretty comfortably, that's not why I slid out of bed without too much resignation this morning. After two weeks off work for the holidays, who really wants to start waking up at 5am again?

No, this morning I finally got to settle back into my daily routines. In an effort to live into this idea of greater discipline in 2014, I have set up an intentional life schedule to help keep me on track with being productive outside my office. These routines (including working from 7-4, Monday through Friday) break down my day into manageable and achievable portions. So this morning when I stood up and immediately clicked on my Songza "Rebirth of Alt-Pop" playlist to get me going, I transitioned easily into my morning routine of breakfast, tea, and shower.

Routines can often reach a ritualistic state when performed often enough and with the right mindset. For example, my love of tea and the process of making it has become a ritual each morning. Whether I'm steeping loose leaves in one of my many cast iron pots or stirring up my Matcha in my Chawan, the process of preparing the tea using my "tea things", is one that starts my day off correctly. It's like I'm preparing myself as I prepare my tea. And the process becomes so much more than a mere routine for me.

I enjoyed my vacation, but I'm glad that I'm back in the swing of life. Patterns are important in life because they free us up to focus on what happens in and around the routines that are woven together to make a day. Patterns give us regularity, and sticking to them helps us grow more disciplined. These patterns free us to more greatly find ourselves surrounded by the Holy in the small things, the large things, and everything in between. 

So I will continue to establish new patterns in my day, continue to enjoy my routines. And the woven strands of my day will begin to take shape, splashed with the colors of my rituals. So that at the end of this year, I may look back on a beautifully plaited tapestry, interwoven with change and growth, telling the story of the version of me I'm becoming.

As we continue our worship in the daily patterns of life, may we immerse ourselves in the mystery of the Holy, and may we always seek to dwell where love is the language most spoken and peace the path most taken. Amen.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Finding God in the Rhythm

I was originally drawn back to church six years ago by the liturgical practices of a little, liberal Baptist church in Nashville, TN. My academic studies in theology had introduced me to types of liturgy that had been foreign in the churches of my childhood, but it wasn't until Glendale Baptist that I actually encountered them. While the equality and grace that were at the center of this caring community certainly were a major factor in my decision to join up with them, it was through the rhythm of the liturgies that I found God again. I continued to connect with progressive Baptist congregations like this over the following years, exchanging the contemporary for the ancient and disorganization for structure.  I write all this to say that I am no stranger to deep and meaningful liturgy. And while my love for the Baptist churches in my life will never wane, I have enjoyed being an occasional Episcopalian over the last few months. Yes, the smells and bells of high ma
Read more

The gospel according to Gaga

Let me be clear from the outset of this post: I thoroughly enjoy Lady Gaga’s music. I love that she advocates for the rights of LGBT people. I love that she is an entertainer, and that her music tells a story…even if that story is often just plain weird. I would give just about anything to meet her and/or attend one of her concerts. I find her music both provocative and addicting. However, Gaga is not a religious scholar.
Read more

Finding solace amidst messages of hate

I have been dealing with a broken heart this evening. As I continue to encounter more and more hateful speech spewing from pulpits around the country, I've been left wondering where the voices in opposition are. I know many pastors and faith leaders who disagree with the teachings of Ron Baity, Charles Worley, Sean Harris, and many others. But where are their voices? Why can't I find them anywhere in the news. I understand how we sensationalize the macabre, but the LGBT community needs to hear the voices of those who affirm them from pulpits as well.
Read more