In this post:
A ramble with a very loose focus on factors that contribute to successful routine development.
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This is the third time I’ve tried to start writing on the topic of rituals.
Evidently, I chose a terrible time in my life to pull this topic out of my ‘hat’ of options to write about. I was supposed to write this in April, but between packing, moving, and developing a new social life while navigating a new office and new type of work in a new place without my own car…
I want – perhaps need – to reestablish some habits or rituals, but it has not been until now that I feel like I might be able to reset into some routines. Now, in reality, is the last Wednesday of June.
So, I’m behind, and I’ve even self-disappointingly allowed myself to let the delay extend for more than a singular entire month.
I’m a writer, and writers write.
While the collection of life events and activities have distracted me from the horse for quite a long time, now, I must get back on the habit horse and resume my identity as a writer.
Identity can be a powerful tool for inspiring action. Artists create art. It’s essential to what being an artist is; failing to create art is a point of discomfort for the artist.
Failing to write was a mere discomfort in the midst of my move and other changes until I settled into something of a comfortable groove. Now, (well, until I finally cracked the document application back open a few minutes ago) not writing feels like a suffocating itch, impossible to resolve without the clicking and clacking of keys as words interrupt the bright void of an empty page.
I had been unable to write until I reestablished my furniture, my desk, my proper Space for the Habit.
My desk has finally been reassembled, and a single day passed before I felt compelled to resume writing!
The proper place – an altar or temple, if you will – may be necessary to properly execute your chosen rituals. The athlete requires the gym or the field. The witch, her circle in the woods… Some magic does not require any focused position in the world to empower its vessel or focus, but Places of Power are a thing for good reason!
I also find myself writing this at the height of my personal energy for the day. Why that happens to be after 10pm, I may never know, but when the energy strikes, I must either embrace it, or waste it.
Now is the time, apparently…
Pay attention to your energy throughout the day. If trying to schedule activity does not work for you, let your energy define your best time to perform your ritual. Werewolves emerge at the behest of the full moon. Some flowers only bloom once a year.
This post is more or less a ramble to get back into the swing of writing anything, but maybe my main points resonate:
If you’re struggling with some habits, consider: Identity, Location, Energy.
Do what works best.
72 Airman's Writings 