When I look at the definition of routine, it seems rather uninspiring:
a sequence of actions regularly followed.
"I settled down into a routine of work and sleep"
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synonims:
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procedure, practice, pattern, drill, regime, regimen, groove;
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Recently, however, I realised that a life without a routine leads to confusion, inactivity and generally losing direction. Now, the routine needs to be such that it actually inspires you to live better, to live a vibrant life… In fact, it needs to be the opposite to what it seems to be at a glance. It all depends on what my routine is, what are the steps I follow regularly, what thoughts I think every day.
This morning I went to my Daily Stoic book and the thought of the day brought for reflection the message of guarding your thoughts. I always knew, or at least, I have known for a long time that the colour of my daily thoughts dyes my life. It can make me look at life in a happy way or a negative, gloomy way of a scared person. It is so obvious what type of thought one should decide to think. This is not so easy sometimes and I get lazy and go on a negative automatic pilot. I must say that the last year has been difficult for me in many ways and I fell into some routines that made my life not as good as I would have liked it. My problems, objectively, did not go away, but I made a decision to live each day the best I can. My stoic friends have a nice metaphor of seeing each day as a bead that we string on our thread of life. Each bead is a finished and separate unit and we have a choice to make this bead a lovely colour, shape and shine a bright light. At the beginning of each day, we can decide how we want the day to be. Starting with reflection helps to make better decisions during the day. Routine can be very helpful in this respect, providing that it is a supportive routine. This is what I am working on now. Designing my routine. Writing my blog or my diary is the way to systemise my thoughts and find answers in my subconscious and in my conscious mind. It would be really great if I got some ideas from the readers of the post, but this is perhaps too much to expect. My posts, even if read by some who I consider my virtual friends, are not that popular to get flooded by responses to my existential questions. If it happens I will be happy and grateful.
Frankly, I would be totally lost without my daily routine. On the days when I have to break them to accommodate something else, say like an unexpected visitor interrupting my daily dose of solving crossword puzzles, can throw me off balance completely. It has come to such a stage that I find it less and less possible to leave the comforts of my well equipped home with all its attendant help in ensuring that nothing comes between me and my routine. I guess that having crossed the proverbial three score and ten quite some time ago, I can be like that without it being considered as eccentric.
ReplyDeleteI had to lookup "three score and ten". Nice description.I agree that crossing the line of three score and ten brings the realisation that we can do what we please even if within limits, but those limits are self imposed now. There is some freedom in that.
ReplyDeleteYour routine seems to be quite elaborate and I think it includes meditation. I dropped meditation somemonths ago and it is time to include now. I went through quite a shake up in the last few weeks and this prompted me to revise my daily activities so I use the time the way it serves me and makes my life pleasant. Part of it is qigong I just went back to. Will add meditation, some mental activities like Lumosity, sudokus and bridge, reading and learning and most of all taking care of my friendships. I am still working on it.
This comment serves as a test (yet another one) to see if your comment box has been corrected to allow for 'anonymous' comments requiring image verification. Perhaps you are unaware that for months the comment verification process has been basically unusable? If not, maybe try yourself to make anonymous comment on one of your own blog posts - see how it goes...
ReplyDeleteAnyway, to the point. Which is Ramana's mention of crosswords. And it made me wonder if he was speaking of english crosswords, or maybe Hindi, or other languages he may be familiar with? So, google, google, and I came up with this reference to crosswords in other (than english) languages:
https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords/crossword-blog/2012/dec/06/crossword-blog-cryptics-india
- and I'd be really interested in a follow up comment from him as to his "crossword choice of language" to put it plainly.
But back to the author: your posts are always interesting (if a little frustrating because they are so very much introspective) and I hope you post more frequently. And if you get the time, maybe review whatever controls there are available to you, as author, on the layout of the comment process? I am sure I am not the only one frustrated by this process.
kvd
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteHi,
DeleteNo, I was not aware of any problems and I do not know what the comment verification involves and how it restricts users. There is and option “Show word verification?” This was set to “no” and I reset it to “yes” but I am not sure what it is all about. Maybe you could tell me if it helped the problem you experience.
I hope Ramana will satisfy your curiosity. I must say that you more and more remind me of Jim (another blogger you read) who is also unusually curious.
Some time ago I might have apologised for being too introspective, but not this time. This is how I am even if it frustrates some. Now I am curious, my tendency to be introspective frustrates you and you want me to post more frequently? Hmm…
AC
AC thank you for your reply. Two things:
Delete1) Grab a friend's computer, or go to a library, and try to comment (as "anonymous" not your google, facebook, et al id) on one of your posts. You don't have to actually complete the process - just get to the point which invokes the image verification process. You will see that the very restricted comment space precludes the full display of the image grid - and unless you are good at guessing just which characteristic the particular query is requesting, it is nigh impossible to "verify" that you are not some sort of malign auto bot. I fully realise that this problem is probably strictly contained to those of us wishing to comment anonymously, but if the alternative is to give over to google, or facebook, or twitter, or whomever, yet one more piece of identifying analyzable data - then this may be one small reason why (as you say above) you don't get "flooded by responses"?
2) "introspective": Is fine, for any who wish to understand how you "feel". On the other hand, those of us who respect your opinion want to know what you "think". There is a difference, which I accept is perhaps not best explained by the foregoing two simple sentences.
kvd
It is always fun when you comment, the exchange becomes livelier. I think I got your explanation of "introspective", but still do not understand why you bother to read my posts and even want more of them.
DeleteI have tried to sign as an anonymous and do not see particular problems with it. Maybe you should make it easier for yourself and sign as someone; for example registered with Google as a kvd?
AC pleased you enjoy my comments. Was worried you might think I was being unnecessarily critical,when all I intended was 'critique'.
DeleteThe thing about "registering with Google" as you suggest doesn't fit with my desire to remain largely uncontrolled as to what I wish to read, and what is "suggested" by Google that I "should" read. You mentioned Jim B earlier. See his latest post re his frustration with his information feed being "curated" for him - despite his best efforts to avoid same.
But now I see someone else - possibbly you? - has sought to prove a point by commenting anonymously, and signing off as 'kvd'. Go for it - it proves nothing more than what we all accept: small minds are transfixed by small shiny objects :)
kvd
Wow, small minds? Like mine I presume. Yes, it was me to tell you that your demands on what I should be writing are not well placed. I thought I was a bit sarcastic and subtle at the same time. Looks like I misjudged the audience. Your comments are still a great value to me for their provocative nature. So keep string if you chose to read my posts and feel like intending to critique. I am rarely defensive, but this time emotions and feelings are a serious and touchy area.
DeleteAC, just a note for the future: the symbol I ended my last comment with - ":)" - is a text-era 'smile' emoticon. I had hoped you would recognise the intent was entirely jocular. Anyway, please accept another one, on this beautiful day :)
Deletekvd
What a nice surprise on this beautiful morning. No, I did not notice the emoticon as I did not think you would use one. What do you know! I even do not know who signs as kvd, people and technology are so tricky nowadays ;). I was fighting for independence of my choices, but do not know what to write my next post about. Any ideas, suggestions?
DeleteYou'll find my past posts here and elsewhere littered with them :)
DeleteBooks? Because I always enjoy your analysis, and I've just finished reading "The Deep End of the Ocean" myself, and took great pleasure from the closely observed family dynamic.
Or maybe Bridge? As in - how's your expertise progressing, in particular the psychology of what is actually a quite violent contest?
kvd
I solve English crosswords. Five of them every day.
ReplyDeleteI am also a mind game addict but English crosswords are not my favourites. I do on Mondays a very complex Polish crossword where you need to find a place for the word you guess. I takes me good few hours to solve, then I consult my friends in Poland. I love this routine. I also do sudokus and play bridge on line.
DeleteOh, AC, on reflection I think you can actually chose whatever you write about. Your blog your decision. If it has to be about your feelings, I will just skip it.
ReplyDeletekvd