I think we all need to practice the art of breaking our routines from time to time. So much of our lives are lived on auto pilot. What we do, where we go, how we get there, who we see, what we eat, what we say, and when we do it all are largely predictable in most of our lives.
Routines can certainly serve an important function, especially in creating a sense of stability in our lives. I am not saying they are bad. Rather, I am asking if the routines we currently have in place are actually the BEST ones for us right now?
I have been testing this question for myself a lot lately. One way that I am doing so is by consciously breaking routines and habits. I feel like more of a co-creator of my life, instead of simply reacting to what life brings to me.
By releasing old habitual responses, space opens for new possibilities in our lives. Perhaps we explore new places, try new foods, meet new people, start a new career, or learn to fully LOVE the life we have.
You don’t need to quit your job and move to Mongolia to change your routine. Here are some things I’ve done over the past few years. You could try them too.
- Get away from your daily routine by going on a vacation or attending a retreat. (I know of a great one coming up this fall.)
- Take a class in something new.
- Meditate.
- Begin the day with a morning walk.
- Try omitting certain foods. (ex. wheat, sugar, meat, dairy)
- Start a journal practice to reflect on your day.
- Try your hand at gardening
- If you really want to change things up (but aren’t ready for Mongolia just yet) invite a child into your life : )
March 23, 2011
I have a blast with my photo blog. I try to make a post every day. It encourages me to get out of the apartment and to be creative. It lets me look at my own little world a little differently than I normally would.
March 23, 2011
That’s a GREAT way to take a step back and reflect on life. If you would like to post a link to your blog here, I’m sure others would like to see your new perspective : )