The Noise That Meets Us Each Morning

If we are not intentional, the noise of this ever more brash world can consume our attention before our feet even touch the floor in the morning. 

We think of a time when a slower pace of life naturally came with quieter mornings. Was that ever the case? While the pace was slower and there weren't so many things to distract us, peace always required intention. In part because it’s both an inside and outside job.  

Even Then, Quiet Took Intention

I think about my grandmothers, each with seven kids, and my great grandmothers, one with 12 kids that lived beyond toddler stage. I seriously doubt that there were quiet moments they didn't have to make room for either.  

I've heard that my great grandfather enforced a rule. There was a set time of the day when none of those 12 kids could bother my great grandmother. During that hour, she prayed, she read the Bible, she sewed, she napped, whatever she wanted. I don't know if it's true, but I hope it is. I love the idea of it. And she lived to 99 years old; a beautiful spirit.  

Of course, that doesn't really translate for a single Mom with young kids and no help. Our lives have seasons, and some seasons can be long and more challenging than others.  

Creating Space for Peace — in Any Season

The thing about a quiet morning ritual though is that it doesn't have to be complicated or take up a lot of time.  

• It could be a few minutes of stillness before you reach for your phone, get out of bed, or brush your teeth.  
• It could be a slow sip of tea before answering the first email.  
• It could be connecting with the touch of the air and taking in a few steady breaths.  
• It could be meditation or prayer before you get out of bed.
• It could be rolling right out of bed into your yoga or qigong practice before your mind fully wakes up.  

The world will have us distracted 24/7.

Peace never happens on its own. It is something we decide to cultivate.  

The ritual doesn't have to be perfect or profound. It just needs to touch you inside and give you space to ask what you would like to bring into the day. Then you can meet the noise of the world steadier and more on your own terms.