January mornings are cold and dark, particularly at 4:45 a.m.
After Alexa wakes me with her daily alarm, I cuddle with the pup before getting out from under the weight and warmth of blankets to feel the full force of the chilled air. I quickly change into my yoga clothes before going downstairs to bundle up to take the pup outside for a quick walk. She is dancing at my feet and yapping excitedly as I start the water kettle before clipping on her leash and opening the door to freedom.
With warm water tonics steaming close by, I lie on my couch for meditation. The lights are low and a candle is burning. I cover myself with a blanket to ward off the chill that often arises during breath work and meditation. Twenty minutes later I slowly and effortlessly move to my mat for yoga, a practice that brings my spiritual practice into my physical body. I appreciate the low light and the feeling of emerging from a cocoon as I begin to expand through movement.
After rolling up my mat, I return to the kitchen for more warm water for a neti pot, saltwater gargle and immunity tea.
This morning as I sipped my tea I noticed that the sunrise is beginning to bring faint light to my kitchen window. Now that I have finally settled into a winter rhythm, I know that a new rhythm with light and warmth will emerge in a month or so.
So is the rhythm of life, light and dark, warm and cold.
The Yoga Cowgirl 
You’re so right about the rhythms of life. I like your morning routine, as it brings light and perspective to your day. There’s something about winter that slows us down, forces us to remember our spirit, or so I feel.
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I agree. While I am a warmer weather person, I am really enjoying my current slow rhythm with the low, soft lights. I also think the slowdown is also a result of almost 11 months of COVID.
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Beautiful prose, Sarah. Nice morning treat for me… I love sensuous writing like this.
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Thank you. It means a lot because I know my red headed sister does not just say things.
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😄❤
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Grey. Grey haired. But sometimes with red dye. Lmao.
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Shhhhh….no need to point out the details
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Ha!
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Such a lovely morning ritual Sarah beautifully delivered!❤️
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Thank you friend. Missing your yoga, but I had been want to join a group to read the Gita with.
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You’re so welcome. Totally understand. So impressed!!! How is it going?
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SLOW…it is a lot to take in.
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I can imagine.. !!!
Well, hope at some point to have you join in! ❤️
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Yes, so true. It is us who must decide to rise and fall, be still within the ever constant ebb and flow 🙏
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So true.
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Your winter morning sounds so peaceful and restorative. Cold and dark do have their welcome places in the rhythm of life. I noticed the sunrise this morning, too — it already seems to be coming up farther north of east in the sky.
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Last week I noticed it was still light out when I was walking my dog after work. It’s these little daily miracles that are keeping me going.
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Beautiful post. Whole of life is cyclic and rhythmic 😊 You seem to have a good morning routine Sarah.
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Thank you
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