Good morning, Wednesday. It's Fashion Week and nobody seems to care. I did love the Carolina Herrera show as well as Rodarte- the latter always makes me appreciate the fun and creativity in fashion but other than that, there seem to be bigger fish to fry in the world right now. Like how to survive and make sense of all of this chaos.
So lately I've been thinking about the role of ritual in my life. I've noticed that as I'm getting older, it's getting more important. I contribute to the Ageist- a favorite destination that takes a pro-aging stance and I read with interest the daily routine of David Stewart, its founder. I found it fascinating to see how regimented his day was- like clockwork. From what he ate and drank to when he worked out to when he carved out some extra time for creativity. And then I realized I do the same.
As a young woman I couldn't stand the thought of a routine. I found it all so formulaic and boring and rigid. I also was not terribly goal oriented as a younger person either so perhaps that's why now my routine might make young maven's head spin.
From the gym to the probiotic shake to the supplements to the skincare to the makeup to the creative time before I get to work, it's all planned. Since I've dedicated the past year or so to getting healthier, I find these things ground me and keep me focused. I've also been working with a spiritualist of late to explore tarot and intuition/inspiration and her path is also fascinating- she is known as an urban shaman and she performs rituals all over New York City- from seasonal celebrations like the equinox to birthdays, weddings, and funerals. She is an absolute encyclopedia on how cultures around the globe observe all of the above and as a former anthropology major, I find it all terribly fascinating.
I've never been one for big birthday celebrations and between us, I've feared big rites of passage my entire life. But now I'm seeing the importance of honoring yourself and others and observing and marking these things. To show gratitude and grace and of course, to cope with an otherwise chaotic world. When working with Donna (the above mentioned shaman), she's talked about how anything can be a ritual where you honor and bless yourself- from applying body lotion after the shower to putting on your favorite perfume. I love that sentiment. Because even though I can't often control how the day is going to go, I can take some time to be mindful in the morning at the very least. And instead of thinking of all these things I have to do before I leave the house as stressful, I think of them as a form of protection and ultimately, sanity. If you're hung up on your routine- try to think of all the things you do as honoring yourself, and if they're not that- don't do them. Sure there are things we all do that we don't love doing, but I think you catch my drift. Even watering your plants is a beautiful ritual. I've been buying more plants lately and though I used to have a black thumb, I'm learning how to give them love and life and they make me so happy when I wake up and when I come home at night.
Caveat- I'm sure you know I don't have children (even though fur babies count). I am aware I have the luxury of not having to get kids ready for school and out the door but I'm sure you parents out there have your own way of ritualizing your day.
It's funny how the stuff I used to see as uptight and slightly OCD help me so very much. I'm curious how you all feel about this- what are some things you do every day to make some sense and give order to your lives? This blog is a perfect example of that in action- I love writing here and when I don't, I feel like a part of me just isn't there.
And with a big birthday coming up in July, I think I may call on Donna to help me mark another decade around the globe. Otherwise I may just have a party. Or go sit in silence in a cave. Either way, I feel a strong need to honor my birthday this year. It's important to honor yourself. I've always found that sentiment a bit uncomfortable, but it's never felt more crucial than right now. And lest you think it's too self serving, think again. Because if you honor yourself, you can help take care of all the people and things you care about.
Cause that's what's up this ritualistic Wednesday in the 718. Yours, in keeping it together in the chaos. XO