Episode 41

Spiritual teachers and mindful leaders always talk about how a strong morning routine sets people up for success. But does it really help us live a more mindful life compared to another approach to our morning flow?

Or is the real point of a mindful life to explore yourself and how you work in order to craft a personalized routine that supports and grows creative flow and spirituality?

On this episode of the Flirting With Enlightenment podcast, we explore the hype behind morning routines and the impact they may, or may not, have on our ability to live more mindfully.

“Routines are normal, natural, healthy things. Most of us take a shower and brush our teeth every day. That is a good routine. Spiritual disciplines are routines. That is a good thing. But once routines become routine you need to change your routine.”

– Mark Batterson

In one corner is Jamie, an advocate for a more disciplined approach that begins with a fairly consistent morning structure and practice. On the other corner is me, Katrina, who advocates creativity and flexibility to craft a daily or weekly routine built around a small list of key things that support the mind, body and spirit and foster creative flexibility.

“One travels to run away from routine, that dreadful routine that kills all imagination and all our capacity for enthusiasm.”

– Ella Maillart

No matter what approach works for us on a personal level, it’s important to listen to the body and it’s clues.

Tune into the little things for more insight into what can support your personal growth 

• Is something difficult because we don’t like it, or because it’s a new challenge and we are learning to shift old behaviors to something more loving?
• Can we commit to doing something that supports self-care, creativity and spiritual connection consistently?
• Is there is an element of avoidance that keeps us away from doing something consistently? If so, what’s really lurking underneath that behavior?

It’s also important to think about the routine itself. Do we get caught up in completing the “steps” then check out, missing the whole point of building a mindful practice?

The biggest part of any routine we create, no matter what time of day we execute it, is the impact it has on our self-esteem. Are we able to learn a powerful lesson about self-acceptance by working out a morning routine that truly supports the truth of who we are, instead of following what others are preaching?

There is no one right answer, but what’s the best approach for you? Tell us what you think!

For additional boost of similar listening, check out The Power of Focus and How it Infuses Goals with Mindful Momentum.