How do you feel about routines? Do you have one or many? How good are you in keeping your routine? For myself, either on or off my yoga mat, I feel that urge to connect to the life force energy, the abundance of love and wisdom in natural environments. You know what I am talking about, that nurturing and healing space that allows you to go deep within embracing your full being while the mind is slowing down. Each day is a gift. We either live by choice and create the routine we want, or we are consumed by the habits of the mind. Thich Nhat Hanh wrote in one poem, "Isn’t it obvious that we 'inter-are'?" We do not exist in isolation, we are social, we interact, learn from each other, and grow together.

Healthy routines help us to access our authentic self, relieve stress and anxiety, bring balance into our life, stay motivated and connect with beautiful people. My routine is a play time, an experience that awakens my senses being fully alive like a child living in the moment.

Why the routine is important? Training the mind to do simple things with intention is the foundation to cultivate wisdom and regulate emotions. A healthy and balanced mind acts like a protective shell against distress and fatigue syndrome.

Let's reflect on habits versus routines...