Those early morning minutes, perhaps they are more than minutes when the veil of life comes down, are the reason I rise early. It’s like sneaking out of bed before the conscious mind wakes up.
Thank you for this piece Elizabeth, and how wonderful to see Leslie’s strawberry salad in center stage.
Thank you Lisa. I've written before about how I spent my early adulthood craving a good sleep in. Now those morning hours are like oxygen to me. I know you are an early riser too...it is sacred time 💕
I was just thinking about how I used to love a sleep in. I’ve worked jobs that had no respect for normal working hours. So waking at assigned times wasn’t an issue. I’m going to guess that the greatest percentage of people in the world are early risers. Not by choice but necessity. Those sleeping in are wallowing in privilege.
Beautiful read, Elizabeth. I also tend to write poetry when I'm short of words to express what I feel. Reading about your morning ritual touched me deeply there's something comforting about knowing others return to the page in the same way. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. ❤️
I really enjoyed this piece as always Elizabeth even though I am not a natural poetry reader, but I think I have realised that I enjoy your writing in particular because your prose is so poetic! An interesting realisation so maybe I should explore this? I too love what this community brings to my life. Moments of calm in my busy head.
Thank you Marjan! I appreciate your lovely comments 💕
I think you would really enjoy Mary Oliver. Her poetry is grounded in nature and spirituality (though not religious if that makes sense). Give her a try!
Elizabeth, your writing really is like poetry. Your posts always feel mindful and meaningful in a way that deeply enriches the time I spend online (and I don't feel that way for most of my internet time). Reading this, I feel encouraged to get back into my morning meditation practice, which has slipped in the last few weeks. It makes me want to write more for the sake of it, for the presence I find within it, rather than just for the purpose of sharing. Thank you for this wonderful piece. And thank you for sharing my recipe. :) I'm so glad it struck a chord with your strawberry find at the farmer's market. ❤️
Thank you Leslie! Finding time to be reflective can be hard but is so valuable, isn't it? And I do hope that many more readers discover your wonderful recipes through this share 💕
I feel like this post was a wink from the universe, as I recently found an old journal of my own morning poems and have been carrying it around with me, but haven't yet written a word. Spark received! Thank you, Elizabeth!
Oh, I'm so glad, Nicki! We never know what resonates with readers, but I know I always find such great inspiration from this wonderful Substack community, not the least of which are your lovey reflections 💕
Routine is hard for me, especially in the dark winter months where I still have to find a place in our condo to write that isn’t sitting at a desk (first world problems, I know). I am sure you have several books’ worth of beautiful prose waiting to be published, Amela 💕
Thank you. Too much unfinished business, it seems.
And yes, winter is hard. But there must be a couch where you can snuggle under a blanket with your coffee. Find it now so that you can look forward to your special winter corner.
Thank you Shell! I’ve been writing my one hour prompts from Mark in my notebook and there is something very freeing about scribbling words out. Plus I’m a hopeless typist 😂. Of course there’s the transcribing at the other end but that’s where the editing comes in.
Oh yes, I do the same! And I completely agree. It didn't even occur to me to write it on a computer until I saw everyone else reading off their screens!
You’ve inspired me to get my poetry pen out. I did have a phase last year of reading a poem aloud each morning (from Josephine Hart’s collection, ‘Catching Life By The Throat) - something I’m also going to revive!
Hooray! Although I love poetry, in writing this post I realise how woefully unaware I am of contemporary poets. I will definitely look up Josephine Hart. I also realise I meant to link two books to this post, one a book of mindfulness poem as Poetry of Presence, and the companion piece written by Rosemerry Trommer with writing prompts.
Those early morning minutes, perhaps they are more than minutes when the veil of life comes down, are the reason I rise early. It’s like sneaking out of bed before the conscious mind wakes up.
Thank you for this piece Elizabeth, and how wonderful to see Leslie’s strawberry salad in center stage.
Thank you Lisa. I've written before about how I spent my early adulthood craving a good sleep in. Now those morning hours are like oxygen to me. I know you are an early riser too...it is sacred time 💕
I was just thinking about how I used to love a sleep in. I’ve worked jobs that had no respect for normal working hours. So waking at assigned times wasn’t an issue. I’m going to guess that the greatest percentage of people in the world are early risers. Not by choice but necessity. Those sleeping in are wallowing in privilege.
There you go, I’ve sorted that one out.
🤓
Beautiful read, Elizabeth. I also tend to write poetry when I'm short of words to express what I feel. Reading about your morning ritual touched me deeply there's something comforting about knowing others return to the page in the same way. Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful reflection. ❤️
Thank you so much for your lovely comments Harshita--I appreciate your words and readership 💕
I really enjoyed this piece as always Elizabeth even though I am not a natural poetry reader, but I think I have realised that I enjoy your writing in particular because your prose is so poetic! An interesting realisation so maybe I should explore this? I too love what this community brings to my life. Moments of calm in my busy head.
Thank you Marjan! I appreciate your lovely comments 💕
I think you would really enjoy Mary Oliver. Her poetry is grounded in nature and spirituality (though not religious if that makes sense). Give her a try!
I will and I’ll let you know how I get on 🤗
This post made me smile! I love that you have that ritual! I’ve been eyeing that salad too, and can’t wait to make it with some good strawberries!
Thanks Kerry! That salad is a winner 🍓
Elizabeth, your writing really is like poetry. Your posts always feel mindful and meaningful in a way that deeply enriches the time I spend online (and I don't feel that way for most of my internet time). Reading this, I feel encouraged to get back into my morning meditation practice, which has slipped in the last few weeks. It makes me want to write more for the sake of it, for the presence I find within it, rather than just for the purpose of sharing. Thank you for this wonderful piece. And thank you for sharing my recipe. :) I'm so glad it struck a chord with your strawberry find at the farmer's market. ❤️
Thank you Leslie! Finding time to be reflective can be hard but is so valuable, isn't it? And I do hope that many more readers discover your wonderful recipes through this share 💕
That strawberry salad caught my eye, too! It’s gorgeous 😍 And lovely thoughts as always, Elizabeth. I think I need more poetry in my life.
Thank you Betty! We could all use a little more poetry in our lives, both the written word and just being in the beauty of everyday life 💕
I feel like this post was a wink from the universe, as I recently found an old journal of my own morning poems and have been carrying it around with me, but haven't yet written a word. Spark received! Thank you, Elizabeth!
Oh, I'm so glad, Nicki! We never know what resonates with readers, but I know I always find such great inspiration from this wonderful Substack community, not the least of which are your lovey reflections 💕
This post speaks to your curiosity, creativity and generosity. You are as inspiring as you are inspired by the community.
I love to read poetry in the morning. In writing, I stick to the prose; I've maintained the morning diary writing habit for decades now.
Routine is hard for me, especially in the dark winter months where I still have to find a place in our condo to write that isn’t sitting at a desk (first world problems, I know). I am sure you have several books’ worth of beautiful prose waiting to be published, Amela 💕
Thank you. Too much unfinished business, it seems.
And yes, winter is hard. But there must be a couch where you can snuggle under a blanket with your coffee. Find it now so that you can look forward to your special winter corner.
Such a great idea to write in the morning! Whenever I manage to do it, it adds a spring in my step for the rest of the day. Great musings, Elizabeth!
I love it. My problem is I haven't figured out a winter routine yet. With our lovely sunny terraces, I can be outside with the birds and really focus.
Lovely Elizabeth! I especially love your morning ritual of pen to paper. One of these days I might just manage it myself!
Thank you Shell! I’ve been writing my one hour prompts from Mark in my notebook and there is something very freeing about scribbling words out. Plus I’m a hopeless typist 😂. Of course there’s the transcribing at the other end but that’s where the editing comes in.
Oh yes, I do the same! And I completely agree. It didn't even occur to me to write it on a computer until I saw everyone else reading off their screens!
You’ve inspired me to get my poetry pen out. I did have a phase last year of reading a poem aloud each morning (from Josephine Hart’s collection, ‘Catching Life By The Throat) - something I’m also going to revive!
Hooray! Although I love poetry, in writing this post I realise how woefully unaware I am of contemporary poets. I will definitely look up Josephine Hart. I also realise I meant to link two books to this post, one a book of mindfulness poem as Poetry of Presence, and the companion piece written by Rosemerry Trommer with writing prompts.
Here they are in case you are interested:
https://www.google.com/search?q=https://bookshop.org/p/books/poetry-of-presence-ii-more-mindfulness-poems-phyllis-cole-dai/20042456%3Fean%3D9798985544244
https://www.wordwoman.com/books/exploring-poetry-of-presence-ii/
I completely agree, so much inspiration here on Substack.
Practically need to quit my day job to keep up.
Now there’s an idea.
Beautifully written as always, and that stunning strawberry salad looks wonderful.
Thank you Sheryl! I’d love to feature one of your wonderful recipes in an upcoming post 💕