routines, one of life’s containers
Posted by Melanie on Oct 6, 2010 in cultivating peace, relationship to life, yoga of relationship ~ life | 8 commentsMost of us have routines. We do this, then we do that. Most often, our routines are unconscious. Routines serve as the containers for our lives, whether conscious or not. They provide a space in which to explore and live life fully. However, if the routine is not serving our highest interests, then perhaps its time to re-evaluate your routine and create a stronger container.
http://www.mindysand.com
My daily routine looks like this: I awaken, sit for meditation, stretch, eat and go to work. Throughout my work day which consists of seeing clients, skyping or phoning distance clients and time at my computer, I take a minute here and there to reconnect with me – a little stretching and a few deep breaths go a long way towards that goal!
Did I mention I have THE best job, it suits me perfectly! Granted, I have a great boss (yours truly 
and the very best job in the world. I get to help people release the filters that keep them out of alignment with their truest Self — my clients use their relationships with themselves, others and Life as a yoga mat, releasing tension and experiencing the sweetest union.
Most days after work, I gather up my dogs for a walk, take time for a longer yoga session, have dinner and relax with a book or TV. On the weekends, my routine is a Saturday morning yoga class, walks, and plenty of time to follow my nose.
Routines serve as great containers for creating the kind of life your heart is calling out for. If your life is feeling a little chaotic or not quite satisfying, you could take a look at your routines. What small changes might you make in your routine to create a strong container for your life? Of course, a retreat is a fantastic way to investigate the routines of your life. If you need a little help with this, check out my award-winning book, An Illumined Life ~ A Personal Retreat & Reflection Guide.
You know; being a ‘yellow/red’ personality in Insights/Discovery terms, I love non-routine … or at least so I thought. There are certain consistent practices that I’ve noticed I miss should I allow them to be inconsistent: Yoga being one of them.
Thanks for making me think about this … and therefore recommit to the most important of those routines. I love cooking in the evening and I’ve not been regular with that lately. I will fix that!
Hi Melanie,
I’m Mindy Sand’s husband. I just wanted to tell you how excited she was that you found her work and posted the picture. She has many amazing talent and many other ceramic pear designs that you could check out. And…after reviewing your site it’s no wonder you both connected because you’re on the same plane. Yesterday about 4 PM we went to yoga together when she “really wasn’t in the mood to go”, and that must be when karma brought you to her work.
Maybe, maybe not, but regardless, thanks for touching someone special to me in a special way.
Andy
It just hit me with the words, daily routine. I have a routine for some things but not a routine for paying attention to Beth. Then I realized, my non-routine is a routine. You could say a routine of non-commitment to my yoga and walking.
Recently I learned that our life tracks wear out – they are not meant to sustain our entire life – we need new tracks. Going from a non-commitment routine to a committed one is a new track.
Thank You
As a mother of a young son I know how we all love the summer but then look forward to “the routine” of returning to school. There is something about the patterns of life that give us a sense of normalcy. One of the benefits of self-employment for me is the morning prayer and quiet time with God. My most important appointment of the day!
Thank you, Melanie for the reminder about “containers.” When my life is out of synch it is often because I’m either not utilzing a container or using one that doesn’t fit the state I’m wanting to achieve. I like the idea of using routines as containers. I think it is really a challenge for those of us who are self-employed–to find routines that serve us best.
Mostly, I love the variety of my days. But that, too, is a routine of sorts. I think I so love that I don’t have a set “start and finish” time. And my mornings, ohhhhh, now, I get very cross without them!
Sue P.
Routines (systems) that get put in place are extremely helpful over the long term and prepares you for any “chaos” that might come your way……But I also enjoy breaking the routine every now and then to spurn creativity.
Thanks for sharing Melanie!
Melanie, I love this post and speak of this same subject often at Creatively Fit (just posted a link to this blog post on my facebook page!). Our routines is something we can control and we can CREATE new elements to add contrast to our lives. Thank you, Melanie!