I’m a broken record, I am sure, speaking often and openly about the need for simplicity. What I believe, is that it’s something that can be extremely healing, and that it can be something we practice. No one said a word about jumping headfirst into a life of total simplicity, no one says you have to sell it all off and begin again. We can ease into this, we can practice, we can add mindfulness to the mix so the lessons we’re trying to teach ourselves actually stick, actually resonate. For me, I begin each morning with a routine that reminds me of this striving for simplicity, that centers me and puts me ready for whatever else is to come. It’s breakfast, kids, the most important meal of my day.
Scrambled eggs (of which I must say I may make the finest you’ve ever eaten), two slices of toast with a little raspberry jam, a hot mug of green tea, and a conversation with my wife in sleepy thunder morning voice, and it begins. I notice the texture of the eggs whilst cooking them, the smell of the bread as it browns, taste the sweetness of the jam mixed with the savory Irish butter. I feel the heat from the tea in my throat. This is where I begin, and it pushes me forward in a slower, simpler way.
Do you have ways you practice this? Is this even a goal for you? I’d truly love to know.
Morning bread and jam,
scrambled eggs on the stovetop,
a simple morning.
Haiku on Life by Tyler Knott Gregson
Song of the Day
This is how I’m feeding my family, how I’m able to keep creating art and reaching out to all of you beautiful souls, so please, if you’re not yet part of our extremely rad exclusive community of Light Chasers, you can sign up for less than a sugary latte a month. Let’s hang out, it’s time. If not, I love you all the same.
Just a quick thank you for everyone who is subscribing. If you dig what I’m doing, please, share it with anyone and everyone you can think of by clicking the button below.
For me it’s the familiar relaxed daily routines that give us immense pleasure. For example, if we can’t have our usual breakfast, we really miss it. Same for afternoon espresso together at 3:00 along with a sweet treat — I add a double-shot of cognac afterwards. The things we always do are not boring to us at all! They give us comfort and pleasure and a feeling of continuation and community.
———
a routine is good
it brings comfort and pleasure
builds community
and bonds us as family
in a very joyful way
———
breakfast — every day
we’ll eat the very same thing
a cup of yogurt
a banana and coffee
and eggs with toast on Sunday
———
that is really all it takes
to make us really happy
———
I strive for this in lots of ways, but what is most routine for me is my evening shower. I love the whole process of stepping into a hot shower, feeling the water on my skin, feeling the day wash away. I love all the sensations. I love emerging feeling clean and refreshed. Then putting lotion on my skin and putting on my pajamas. I love how calm and peaceful I feel afterwards. Winding down from the day in my own little ways has always been important to me.