Ritual: An Hour of Your Own

There is just something *magical* to me about getting up in the early hours of the morning that helps set the tone for the rest of the day. The house is quiet, nobody needs anything from you yet, and you can actually observe the night slowly shifting to day.

I recently heard someone say their sleep routine runs on a farmer's schedule: in bed as the sun goes down, up right as it comes up. Here in upstate New York, this time of year, that would mean lights out by ~6:30pm, so... yeah, I guess I'm not quite there. :)

So, why get up earlier?

The goal here shouldn't be to get more done. Our to-do lists could go on forever if we really let them, couldn't they? I know mine could.

The hour before your day starts is time that no one has claimed yet - it is yours for the taking! There are no meetings, no urgent messages, no one asking where their backpack is. It's the only part of the day that belongs entirely to you, and it's amazing how much a single unclaimed hour can change the way the rest of the day feels.

And here's some good news: right now may just be the easiest time of year to try it! The sun doesn't come up until around seven this month, so you don't have to get up at an unreasonable hour to catch the sunrise. You can just set your alarm a little earlier than usual.

A morning of your own

Here's how I'd try this new ritual:

• Set your alarm for thirty minutes to an hour earlier than usual. Bonus points if it's an analog alarm clock. I have found that there is something so liberating about keeping your phone out of the bedroom altogether.
• Put the kettle on for tea or start the coffee, and as it heats up, open a window, even just a crack, and let the cold autumn air in for a minute. Breathe in the fresh, cool air.
• Make a hot drink the way you'd make it for your best friend: in your favorite mug, with a little extra care, maybe an extra spoonful of honey or a splash of your favorite milk. If you'd like, dust a little of our Blue Skies or Rainbow Blend over the top.
• Sit down with it somewhere you can see the sky: on the porch, by the kitchen window, or wrapped in a blanket on the front step. If needed, add a pair of your favorite fuzzy socks or a hat - either way, just make sure you're warm enough.
• Watch the night shift to day, and notice what the light does to the trees, the rooftops, and eventually, the frost on the grass.

Every once in a while, it's worth giving yourself an hour that isn't in service of anything (or anyone) else. It's one of the smallest celebrations there is, and it costs nothing except a little shift in your sleep schedule.

So, try it at least once! Watch one sunrise before the clocks change. Then let the rest of the day go however it will, and feel free to share what you noticed. 

With gratitude,

Alexa, Bang & Bloom Founder

The little things are worth celebrating.