Reading Ritual

The drifty morning siren signals the start of a new day.  Startled from sleep. Not quite ready to rise but also excited for the time allotted. The alarm is set early.  Far earlier than is necessary but with great intention.  Getting up and jumping into the motions of preparing for the day and the work ahead without a calm, quiet transition is too demanding.  

Sneaking around in the dark, a brush runs through hair, a quick scrub of the teeth, a big sip of water.  No human sounds but breath.  A fan whirs drowning out footfalls. A dash is made to the common spaces of the dwelling to find a cozy spot to arise.

The morning ritual entails all of the greatest delights: refreshments, literacy, and crafts. The beverage of choice is coffee, of course. The motions of choosing the cup, selecting the roast and brewing the java bring such a thrill to the soul.  The smell of that glorious bean sparks immense joy and comfort.  Standing in the dim light and staring as it pours is invigorating.

Books are devoured daily even with a tight work and family schedule.  Without this planned morning time, it is unclear how these books would get read. The current hardback selection is over 1000 pages long.  There is a routine in getting through the novel especially of this size.  One chapter each morning no matter what.  No excuses accepted. The demand belongs to the reader and the request is achieved everyday between sips of hot, black, dark roast coffee. As the chapter comes to an end and the book is closed, the headphones pop on.  Audiobooks and crocheting are quite simply the most perfect pair.  A match made in heaven.  

Shifting to the crafting portion of the before-daylight hours. Not an hour goes by without thinking about projects, and yarn for said projects, and who said projects could be given to make happy.  There is always a work in progress laying around. The feel of the yarn between fingers and the visibility of the progress being made produces a serotonin burst much needed to make it through less desirable parts of the upcoming day. Between the ever growing fiber art at hand and the voice of the narration of a chosen tale, the self-bucket is being filled.  

Based on the hour, eyes may drift back closed.  The cozy nook is so well established, that this doze comes as a welcomed moment.  More rest is always important.  White noise tapped on, warm light dimmed, alarm reestablished, head nestled, eyes closed, house silent. Time to snooze.

The bell sounds again but this time is different.  Nurtured, filled, energized and ready to seize the day.  There is no right way to prepare for the hustle bustle to come, however, in order to stay content, a general slow start must occur daily.  Now fulfilled, getting up and getting moving is not so hard.  This time will come back around.  Take care.  Breathe deep.  Relax and reset.  Seize the day but come back soon. Your morning ritual is waiting right here when you return. 

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Erin is a wife and a mother of three children, a crochet fiber artist and an avid reader of unabashedly spicy romance. She just completed her 15th year as a special education teacher. She’s dabbled in writing fan fiction and would like to explore writing more. Follow Erin on instagram

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