I attended a recent discussion about Habits and something sparked. At one point the discussion turned to talking about habits and how once we acquire a new habit, the “enjoyment” of that habit potentially ceases. For example, when one decides to start a new workout regime, in the beginning the workout is invigorating & empowering. Our self-satisfaction says, “Oh Joy!” As time progresses and the routine becomes ‘habitual’ the workout becomes a series of tasks that we must complete. In time, the “Oh Joy” turns to the reward at the end of the workout (like a smoothie) or ceases altogether.
Given light of my interest in the morning ritual, I am intrigued on how this can affect one’s tea or coffee enjoyment. I hear so many people, in a haze, head straight for the coffee pot which they turn on or has been on an auto-timer through the night. So many others share they are not functional until they have their morning cup of coffee. Just the name “morning cup of coffee” speaks to a habit or a ritual. Is there still pure enjoyment or are we only in pursuit the after affects of a jolted morning? Is there beauty and gratitude in our morning ritual?
In the morning, I too am on autopilot. After three or six snooze buttons, I immediately wander to the electric hot water kettle, refilling it with water from my Brita filter. I turn it on, jump in the shower, then proceed with the post-shower rituals. Once complete, I return to my kettle and determine my morning selection of loose leaf tea to enjoy. Here’s where I see a difference and wish to bring this difference into the world. Though I have preferences on a tea type, I avoid doing the mundane and repeating the tea offering from the day before. Tea offers me a creative jump start into my day due to the shear multitude of varieties of flavor experience. One day it will be white tea, the next Keemun, some mornings a smokey Lapsang, others a calming and creative gathering Oolong. Each experience charges me in a different and unique way, and though all have caffeine, something beautiful arises.
So my challenge for you this morning is to breakup your habit and mindfully live in the moments you are creating. Willfully choose your morning cuppa, whether it is a single origin tea or coffee. Celebrate the notes and experiences the consumption creates and mindfully live your day noting and breaking up your habits throughout.
