Morning rituals

[free at last]

Morning rituals

Ok, here's my story on the 5 Tibetian Rituals. I finally convinced my DH that he had to do some yoga and we should do the 5TR every morning because they were so simple So we're up at 6am because that's the only window we have. But, the practice drove our dog CRAZY, I mean stark raving MAD -- barking, jumping, trying to (gently) bite my arms, pulling on my legs. Growling. We were in hysterics and couldn't complete them. Fortunately, our neighbors (since we live in an apartment) like our dog and didn't complain.

Now, I have to be in a separate room from my dog, to do yoga of any kind.

[MossRose]

Morning rituals

Free - almost just choked on my iced tea laughing. Just too funny. What does your dog have against yoga? Maybe it's the strange movements, s/he's not used to.

[free at last]

Morning rituals

My husband told me there is a class for dogs that have aversions to yoga -- it's call doga

[spacebebe01]

Morning rituals

I have started to get up earlier and noticed a big difference not only to me but also to my son. Now Im not rushed or rushing him hes going off to school much better prepared for the day. And no more missing breakfast, that cant have been good for him.

x

[Sake123]

Morning rituals

I don't have too many new rituals since I'm only 11 days in. but I will say that I wake up and go outside on my deck...and am usually thankful (even if tired) that I'm not still buzzed, have a headache or feel like I was used as a toilet bowl scrub brush!!

[Queenbug]

Morning rituals

Great thread - thank you...I got a lovely dog a few months ago and she certainly has helped me to stay out and about and is a big part of my morning ritual...walking her at 5 before work...hate the first few minutes then feel charged for the rest of the day. She is great to snuggle up to and just loves me unconditionally....wouldn't be without her : ))

[spacebebe01]

Morning rituals

OMG talk about procrastinating, I just looked up the old thread easy peasy 5 tibetams that was mentioned on the first page here and I posted on it. I still don't even know what they are, I really need to get my arse into gear dot I. Ive been up since 6.30, have got my son off to school come on here but that's it and its now 9.

Im going to look at that 5 Tibetans link and give it a go TODAY.

space x

[MossRose]

Morning rituals

Sake - the "toilet bowl scrub brush" remark made me laugh. That's a pretty good description of how my days used to start off. They are much more pleasant now.

Queen - I'm still really kicking around the idea of getting a dog. I only hesitate because of my new living situation. I had to leave my house and move into an apartment so I no longer have a yard. But this place sure is pet friendly - dogs everywhere!! And I am on the first floor, so it's only a couple of steps outside to a small, grassy area, so this could work. I'm being selfish here. Thinking about those cold winter nights when it feels like it's 50 degrees below zero outside, and my pup needs to go out. No more being able to just open the door and wait inside where it's warm. LOL. I have decided that if I do adopt a dog, I'm going to rescue an older one. I think it would be a good fit, especially since the poor thing will be left alone during the day while I'm at work. Which has been another huge consideration. A puppy would be miserable.

space - let me know how the 5 Tibetans go for you. I have to admit, I was a little sore when I first started - used muscles I didn't even know I had But I still think it is a great, quick, and relatively easy workout. I'm hooked.

Adding one more thing to my morning rituals. Gratitude. Several of you mentioned it, and I agree - it's so very important.

[spacebebe01]

Morning rituals

Moss my daughter has a small dog which they rescued as an older dog, she also lives in an apartment with just a grassy area outside. I know they love her and couldn't be without her now and have had little problem with the taking her outside for the toilet, but then she also has her husband to take turns. I get what you mean about the going out in the cold but I do think its a small price to pay for the company and love you will get. My biggest tip with having a dog is to get it a bed as soon as it comes home and teach it to always use it. I have 2 dogs and have no trouble with them if they are alone, they just go to bed and sleep while Im out. This doesn't work as well with puppies though they do need more company and training. Mine are 8 years old now but haven't yet slowed down, something that I have don't considerably since I got them and do find walking them daunting as they are strong dogs so I do love them and wouldn't change them at all, they are part of the family but I don't think I could ever get such energetic strong dogs as puppies again, its always the best thing to find out as much about the type of dog and if its an older rescue dog walk it around first to see it you can mange it in reality, not just that it looks nice and friendly which is a problem when I have gone to shelters, I just want them all.

I did start my 5 Tibetans yesterday Moss, I just took it very easy, I didn't look or feel like the young woman in the video I used on you tube but I intend to carry on trying. I think its just the doing it that will make the difference not the wanting perfection as I always did when I was younger. I do want to eventually start walk them of a morning though, maybe just one at a time to start to make it easier for me, but I also now know to make one change at a time, that way its more likely to stick.

I have forgotten all about gratitude, waking up without the terrible hangover is something I just got used to and took for granted, big mistake I have to get back to how wonderful that actually feels.

space x

[SoberSoul]

Morning rituals

I wish I had the magic pill to enable me to hop out of bed and start the day well. The newspaper sabotages me every day. It's full of bad news and the horoscope guy is not doing a great job so it may be time to put it aside for evening reading or to not read it at all. That would free up the first hour of the day for the Tibetan Work-out which I am familiar with as many of my friends do it. I have to rebound on a schedule too because discipline is so necessary when trying to establish a routine. Every day I will improve if I keep plugging away at it. I want a part collie one year old dog but will have to wait a bit as we are planning a two week cruise in Feb. You guys are inspirational to say the least.

[spacebebe01]

Morning rituals

HI all,

SS I have had a couple of rough days struggling to get out of bed but managed it even though it was not pleasant. I stopped reading papers and watching the news long ago, everything is so depressing and would play on my mind so I decided enough was enough. I do miss the important things happening in the world tho and my mum is always shocked that I don't know whats going on even tho I have told her many times I don't read the papers.

I haven't done my yoga yet today Ive been getting quite bad pain from my fibro this past week or two and also crippling headaches but will get it done sometime this morning. I think it will definitely help me physically to do these exercises gently as I am doing, last ime I went to physio she pushed me so much I could barely walk for the next week or more so I packed that in.

love space x

[SoberSoul]

Morning rituals

Well if you can do it with all your pain, then I can too. Thanks for putting things in their proper perspective.

[I'm Strong and in Control]

Morning rituals

MossRose;1544464 wrote: One thing I have been trying to incorporate into my daily routine are meaningful morning rituals. When I drink, my mornings are always chaotic and rushed. It's hard to have a peaceful morning when you are battling a hangover, or dealing with suffocating shame.

I have been doing this for a while now, and it seems to help. A tranquil start to my day can keep me strong well into the evening. It reminds me of all the reasons I am trying to kick AL out of my life for good.

This is my list so far. I try to do at least a few of these things each morning.

1. Get up earlier. This one took some practice. I have to go to bed earlier but so far it's worth it. Even an extra 15 minutes seems to help me feel less rushed.

2. Start my day with fresh juice or a smoothie. I still love coffee, but need to flood my body with nutrients as soon as possible in the mornings. Balances my blood sugar and improves my mood too. Although I still have a cup or two of coffee later in the day.

3. Pack a healthy lunch and some snacks for my work day. Sometimes I do this the night before. No more fast food!! It's expensive, unhealthy, and definitely makes me crave AL.

4. At least 10 minutes of stretching, yoga or the Five Tibetans. No excuses. I can always find 10 minutes.

5. Check in here, read and post.

5. Finally - make my bed before I leave for work. This one I never skip. I can't remember where I read this (Leo Babauta's Zen Habits blog, I think), but I have found this simple act very therapeutic. This ritual calms my mind, readies me for my day, and it is always so nice to climb into a freshly made bed at night.

I don't claim that this happens every morning. In fact, I overslept yesterday, raced around to get ready for work, and flew out the door. And I noticed a huge difference in the rest of my day. Everything was just a bit off-kilter. That's dangerous for me, because when I get stressed, the urge to drink is strongest.

Oh and one huge disclaimer - I do not have young children at home anymore! That puts a different spin on the mornings completely. I remember those days Hard to be zen when you are getting little ones ready for their day.

Thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated. This is just one more tool I'm using to stay strong and sober.

?Five Tibetans??? That's a new one for me - what/who/how???? Very curious as to any support I can find.

[I'm Strong and in Control]

Morning rituals

spacebebe01;1556961 wrote: OMG talk about procrastinating, I just looked up the old thread easy peasy 5 tibetams that was mentioned on the first page here and I posted on it. I still don't even know what they are, I really need to get my arse into gear dot I. Ive been up since 6.30, have got my son off to school come on here but that's it and its now 9.

Im going to look at that 5 Tibetans link and give it a go TODAY.

space x

spacebebe - any luck with the 5 Tibetans? I just may have to google this . . .

[MossRose]

Morning rituals

Strong - I practice the 5 Tibetans every morning (well, almost every morning) and have noticed a sense of well-being and more energy when I do them faithfully. I posted a link in my original post to a Dr. Oz episode that really shows them done well. I still can't get past 10 reps of each (supposed to do 21), but I figure it must be doing some good. I really do notice a difference. I like the Tibetans because you are encouraged to go at your own pace - to listen to your body - rather than try to push yourself to the limit. Let us know how you are doing.

Space - my friend started doing them and she has fibro. It's only been a couple of weeks, but she says they seem to be helping. Your symptoms sound like hers. I am always researching something to help her, so if I run across anything really good, I'll share it with you.

Well I am taking an impromptu vacation of sorts. Some of you may know that I had a rough week. It was very emotional and I wasn't doing very well. So my friend and her husband have graciously offered to let me come visit them for a while. I have accepted their generous invitation and leave in the morning. They just want me to rest, and rejuvenate. I figured if I just disappeared for a while, some of you might assume the worst. But that is not the case. I'm still AF, but just feel a desperate need for a change of scenery. I won't have much of a chance to post while I'm there. But in a way, living techno-free for a few days sounds refreshing. Take care all, and talk when I get back.