The power of routine
Lately, I’ve become more and more interested in the concept of routine. In times of uncertainty and in an age of infinite choices, sticking to something we know without overthinking it feels like a luxury.
I read The miracle morning by Hal Elrod a while ago but it’s not until recently that I’ve started implementing some of it in my daily life. This book is a reference on the topic of morning routines, on why and how to establish one. In a (way too brief) nutshell, how you start your day defines the rest of it and ultimately improves your life. It’s a typical American self-help book, very “follow my method & you’ll magically become the best version of yourself”, but it’s still a good framework to start thinking about the subject.
Elrod’s ideal morning routine lie in the SAVERS acronym: Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading and Scribing. Doing it all means waking up at 5am and having 2 hours to yourself before actually starting your day, so it may not be realistic taken as is, but you could try to incorporate some of it to your own preference and lifestyle. Since setting my alarm 20 minutes earlier to meditate or to journal every morning, I have noticed a big difference: I start my day feeling much calmer, I feel ready for what’s to come and I’m also more focused throughout the day.
Do you have a morning routine ? Would you like to start one ? What is it ? I’d love to know, please share !! And if you’re looking for inspiration, here’s a great website that gathers hundreds of them.
WORDS OF YOGA
Dinacharya
Dinacharya stands for “daily routine” in Sanskrit and is one of Ayurveda’s main principles. Ayurveda considers humans a part of nature and suggests to organize our daily activities around the natural cycles as much as possible. For instance, waking up and winding down with the sun, and adjusting our own rhythm to the rhythm of the seasons.
According to Ayurveda, establishing simple yet enduring daily routines can help bring balance to everyone’s individual constitution. Sticking to doing things at the same time each day can help us on different layers.
Physically, regulating our internal clock improves the quality of our sleep, digestion, absorption, assimilation and elimination. Mentally, following a routine fosters self-esteem and discipline (as in showing up for yourself and caring for your body, every day, no matter what). And spiritually, finding what works for you and committing to it on the long-run can feel empowering and also very liberating.
Of course, modern life does not always make all of this easily possible, but it’s an interesting framework to get started.
A FEW THINGS I ENJOYED LATELY
I watched Perfect days, the latest Wim Wenders movie that came out a few months ago.
I was not sure what to expect, I’d heard it was slow and boring, but I usually like Wenders’ films, so I gave it a go. I’m so glad I did.
Yes it’s slow and borderline boring, but that’s exactly the point. Savoring the length of time for once, following someone’s daily routine, watching repetition unfold and simplicity being taken to a level of sacred. Also, it takes place in Japan, a country I adore.
If you have not seen it, this article from the Guardian gives a good overview of its main themes and why they’re important (+ you’ll learn what David Beckham practices every day).
And a quote, why not, by Aristotle: “We are what we repeatedly do." QED !
2024 YOGA RETREATS
The next retreat with Namastrip is happening this summer,
August 10-15.
Then there will be two more in the Fall: October 16-20 and November 7-11. If you’re interested in joining one, feel free to ask me any questions you may have! NB: These retreats are in French .
I’m also starting to plan my own retreat for the Spring of 2025, in Portugal. Stay tuned !
GROUP CLASSES IN LISBON
Our theme for July is, you may have guessed it, Routine ! We will repeat the same sequence throughout the month and observe our reactions to the repetition.
🏄♀️🏄♂️ Yoga for Surfers
Every Wednesday 9h at Studio Organic Flow
🤰👩🍼 Baby & Me - Prenatal & Postnatal (babies welcome!)
Every Wednesday 11h at Studio Organic Flow
⚠️ There will be no Friday class this summer.
Each class is limited to 8 students, so remember to book your spot beforehand.
PRIVATE CLASSES
If you’re working with a specific condition, are not a fan of group class settings, or would rather practice yoga in the comfort of your own home, consider a private class.
Private sessions allow for highly personalized sequences based on what you need and want. I come to your place and we focus on just you for a full hour :) If you are not in Lisbon, I also teach Private classes online.
Lastly, if you’re curious about life in Lisbon, each month I write a short essay on my Substack page (in English & in French). I publish a new article every month and you can subscribe for free.
✨ FROM LISBON, WITH LIGHT ✨
