And the Old is New Again...

when an old tool re-appears

2 of the desert hot springs I visited over the last three weeks that prompted this additional 'new' morning ritual.

I have just started a new step in my morning 'Start The Day' ritual. Since October 2007 I have begun with a Morning Water Grounding and Opening ritual and can honestly say I think I have missed maybe 10?

Essentially it is 3-5 minute (less if in a real rush, more if that works too) silent time with a glass of water to greet the day, affirm one's connection with gratitude and request support if needed. The coffee steeps and the water (shared with self and the earth or nearby plant) is the first thing to enter the body. I love it. Then I pour the coffee, open the computer and dive into the world of email, news and what-have-you.

I have been traveling for three weeks, with five days near the beginning at a remote desert hot spring and the last few days alone camping my way back from OR to AZ. On those days there was no computer in the morning. Just quiet sitting time, enjoying the coffee after the Morning Water, in silence.

Meditation in a way. And it was so.... restful - while (oddly) creating space for the rest of day - especially long driving days.

So, now I am home, I have added that to my morning. The Water step while the coffee steeps, then pour a small cup - sit and begin the drifting down 'chill time' while I drink it. Set that aside and yes, try and still the mind enough to call it meditating.

A few years back I did this quite regularly - almost daily meditation time. I wasn't an expert but I could drop in and 'let go' enough to experience some post-meditation Aha! So, I set the timer for 15 minutes (enough for a first time back after a long while) and settled in. I had a familiar way in, I was breathing and - Whoa!