Before I Open My Laptop

I’ve been in conversation with a fellow author over the last few days about our morning routines. She made a small change at the beginning of the year, and over time, it’s been making an impact on her life. When she asked about my mornings, I realized I, too, had started something that is changing mine.

I’ve been waking up early, before everyone else, for years. I need that time for myself so I have the yoyu to be there for everyone else during the rest of the day. My routine used to include water, coffee, writing, and sometimes meditation.

These days, my morning still begins with warm water and strong black coffee. But before I open my laptop and start writing, I pull out my Tangle-a-Day calendar instead. While I practice a new tangle, I listen to music or a podcast.

The Zentangle is what’s new.

I used to write first, and I might go back to that someday. But for now, this combination of Zentangle, coffee, and good sounds works better for me. It’s portable, too. I can take it on the road.

Like last week.

We took our little RV out for an afternoon drive, and it got late. So we parked at one of the many hot springs in Shimane for the night. Just in case, I had packed our pajamas, coffee, and my calendar. Because no matter where we are, I still take time for myself first. Even a few minutes helps me have yoyu.

When I first started doing Zentangle in the morning, I treated it like homework. My aunt is coming in June so we can attend a Zentangle workshop together in Tokyo, and I didn’t want to make a fool of myself. Practicing felt like preparation. Discipline.

Now, two months in, I can’t wait to get up and draw.

This new habit has changed me.

Practicing tangles reminds me that I can enjoy creating something without it being picture perfect. I’m also seeing the world differently. I notice patterns everywhere now, in tile floors, tree bark, shadows on the wall, and I wonder if someone has already turned them into a tangle.

Choosing this practice has shifted more than my mornings.

I could write after I finish the new tangle. But instead, I found a new time in the day to write. This shifted my writing from being a personal habit (which isn’t a bad thing) to honoring it as the way I show up in the world. I’m now taking more time to write during my designated working hours. And it feels good.

Practicing Zentangle with my morning coffee also means I’m present when Akira comes down the stairs. I’m present and available now, whereas before, when I was writing, I either didn’t notice him or felt interrupted. These days, we talk more.

I’m grateful to my aunt for nudging me toward this new practice.

And I’m equally grateful to my friend for asking about my morning routine.

So let me ask you:

What is your morning routine? Has anything shifted recently?

What small change might give you a little more yoyu?

If you’re interested in learning more about Zentangle, you can visit Zentangle.com.

If you’re new here and wondering what yoyu means, you can read a simple explanation here.