Is it routine or balance that keeps me afloat?

Routines are paradoxical in many ways.

On the one hand, my routines hold me in a pattern of comfort that allows me to not notice things, to stop perceiving all that is going on around me. Sometimes, I literally don’t remember that I made coffee already, it is so automatic.

On the other hand, routines are the pattern of comfort that allows me to enjoy what is special and beautiful and joyful without getting mired in things like, well, making coffee.

The role of routine as an essential but invisible infrastructure in my life is always clearest when I travel, and when I just am back.

Like this morning.

As always, I rejoice at the smell of coffee grounds on my fingers as I fill the pot. I appreciate the dancing shadows of the leaves on the my window just before I close my eyes. I deeply appreciate sitting on my own meditation cushion in my familiar morning meditation spot, settling into breathing that feels steady, welcoming, and homey.

But I am also overwhelmed by the imposing structure of my day ahead.

I know that starting today, my days will be filled, even over-filled, with activities that somehow need to fit into my already overflowing routine. I am starting a new class just as I am finishing another. I am teaching a weeklong morning mindfulness series starting next week. I have physical therapy to go to. I am leaning back into regular organizing meetings. There is the full-time job. And then, of course, my family and asana practice, both of which hold me in balance.

Because at the end of the day, it’s not routine that is the essential infrastructure, it is balance. And balance is elusive, beautiful, and hard. One breath at a time.

Next class: virtual vinyasa Wednesday May 11 at 16:30 UTC, 12:30pm Brooklyn. See you there?

Also, as mentioned, I’ll be teaching morning mindfulness next week, May 16-20 at 7am at YogaSole. Each morning we will start with 15 minutes of guided mindfulness meditation, then move into a 30 minute all-round asana flow to gently wake up the body, and finish with 5 minutes in silent savasana or seated meditation. While every day's practice will build on the day before, every session is stand-alone and can be taken as such. No prior experience of meditation or asana practice is needed. If you are in Brooklyn, come wake up with me!