Slow Mornings
“You must learn to move your brain a bit more slowly so that it follows the body...”
I spotted this article in Women’s Health Magazine about ‘Slow Mornings’ and while it irks me that it’s become the latest social media/ Tik Tok trend, it did get me thinking about my own morning routine…
For years, before and during covid I started my days with meditation, yoga and journaling… spending those quiet and precious moments before the world fully wakes up, with myself.
After covid lockdowns, like many people, my need for social connection saw me change up my routine and replace many of my ‘slow mornings’ with a freezing cold dip in the Bay. I would still practice and write (a bit) - later in the day, but it wasn't the same...
For many, many months I was out there in the cold water every single morning without fail and while I loved and needed every torturously-blissful moment, I lost my morning routine and sacred ‘me time’.
In recent months, I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed, scattered and out of balance, like I’ve been doing too much outside work and not enough inner work. (Some of you will have already noticed I've not been dipping as often or at least not in the mornings…)
Photo by Mrs Smart Photography
There’s a saying - life is a balance of letting go and holding on - and right now I feel like I need to reclaim my mornings and let go of those regular morning dips.
As for all the wonderful company and connections I will miss... I’ll still dip in the morning on occasion - but also at different times; lunchtime or late-afternoon/ sunset if you're keen, AND there’s nothing stopping us from catching up outside the water so please. please hit me up for brunch, dinner, sunset walks…
Life ebbs and flows, things shift and change, allowing myself to be guided by my intuition or inner wisdom is something I’m trying to embrace and trust more overtly…
For me a slow morning means I take a step back before moving into the day, it sets up my day in a more aware and mindful state, with more calm and creativity. It’s about creating space (physical, mental and emotional) and time to discern what’s important and see things with more clarity. But most importantly it's about prioritising my health and wellbeing ahead of anything else!
I’m not a young bunny anymore (have you seen all the grey hairs these days?!) and packing my days from the start with lots of external activities isn't something that works for me - after a lifetime of stress, trauma and anxiety, my nervous system, heart and mind crave more grounding and quiet, for now anyway…
What’s your morning routine like? Are you rushing around, running later, doing things for everyone else? Or maybe you find yourself scrolling social media or checking emails from the moment you wake up? Check out the article, and try to incorporate one ‘slow morning’ a week - to start.
Email me anytime if you have questions or would like some more info or tips - hello@ohmyyoga.com.au
…and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
- Mary Oliver, When I am Among the Trees
