My Favorite Morning Rituals: A Daily Journey of Mind, Body, and Spirit

Starting my day is no small feat. I've tried various morning rituals, but none have become a cherished part of my routine like the ones I follow today. Here, I'll share my favorite daily habits that I believe set the pace for the day ahead.

Setting the Tone for the Day

Each morning, my day begins the moment I wake up, sometime between 5:30 and 6 in the morning. One of my favorite rituals is never hitting the snooze button. It may seem like a minor detail, but I always take pride in waking up without needing that extra five minutes. This sets a positive tone right from the start, establishing a sense of self-discipline and readiness.

Connecting with the Divine

The first thing I do is touch the photo of my deity, a revered gift from my family. Opening my eyes, I offer namaskaram (prayers) to it. This ritual is always with me, a constant presence that reminds me of my roots and faith. This simple gesture also includes a prayer to 'Ma Earth,' where I ask for forgiveness for placing my feet on her.

Next, I place namaskar to my 'Mangala sutra.' This sacred thread, tied by my husband after our wedding, is woven with the blessings of Goddess Parvati. I pray for her icha jnana kriya Shakthi, invoking her blessings. I deeply believe in the significance of our Hindu marriage rituals and the mantras behind them, especially the meaning of the Mangala sutra.

Physical and Spiritual Nourishment

Afterwards, it's time to step into the bathroom and tend to the necessities. Then, I head to the terrace for a round of suryanamaskar (Sun salutations) and other exercises. For half an hour, I immerse myself in a series of yoga poses and stretches to energize my body and prepare it for the day's tasks. This physical alignment complements my spiritual preparation, ensuring that I start the day with both mind and body ready.

Multi-Tasking and Family Rituals

Upon returning, I turn on my 'Phillips Raga' radio station, which plays my favorite 'bhadhrakaali kirtan' songs. These spiritual melodies help me transition seamlessly into my daily tasks. Meanwhile, I start 'Asthaavadhanam' - the practice of multitasking. I wake up my granddaughter, ready her for school, prepare her meals, and monitor the stock market news.

By 7:30 to 8 in the morning, my family members wake up, and together we gather at the dining table for discussions and family bonding. After a few cooking sessions (most of them supervised), my husband takes charge of the main Puja (ritual worship) activities, including lighting the lamp.

Continuing the Day with Purpose

Throughout the morning, other responsibilities mingle with the aforementioned duties. Paper reading time is shared with my granddaughter, whose presence brings a flurry of activity. This changes early in the day, and I seize the opportunity to read the news until she leaves for school. In between, family priorities include managing paper work, attending to financial matters, and giving instructions to my assistants and staff.

While the day can be hectic, there are moments of respite as well. The ever-present challenge of dealing with online deliveries and returns fills certain slots of time. However, by evening, I have a brief period of free time that I use to engage in friends' gatherings, manage groceries, and occasionally send snacks and drinks to my daughter-in-law, who works from home.

Aiming for Retirement and Growth

Now, more than ever, I look forward to my retirement, which will allow me the freedom to pursue my passions. Retirement doesn't mean stopping work; it is a transformative phase that gives me the flexibility to focus on what I love most. Despite the challenges, I remain optimistic and even set a date for my retirement. Until then, I plan to concentrate on learning music, Sanskrit, and German, languages that pique my interest for no specific reason beyond my love for them.

Ultimately, my daily rituals blend physical health, spiritual connection, and familial responsibilities. Though the mornings are filled with responsibilities, they are also rewarding, and the day's end brings a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Conclusion

My morning routines are not just a collection of tasks; they are a ceremony of awakening, a connecting with my culture, and a preparation for the day ahead. Each step, from touching the deity's photo to the final act of brushing my teeth, contributes to the legacy and traditions that make up my life. As I continue my journey, I embrace each moment as a gift, no matter how mundane or challenging it might be.