Summary

The text describes a chaotic and introspective morning routine, detailing the internal dialogue and actions of an individual from the moment of waking up.

Abstract

The morning routine depicted in the text is a whirlwind of thoughts and actions that begin the moment the individual wakes up. It includes moments of mindfulness, such as intentional breathing and meditation, intertwined with the chaos of everyday life, like checking the weather, planning the day, and tending to pets. The routine is punctuated by attempts to capture fleeting dreams, manage mind chatter, and engage with a podcast, all while performing habitual tasks like brushing teeth and watering plants. Despite the apparent disorder, there is an underlying effort to maintain a semblance of mental clarity and focus. The narrative concludes with reflective questions about the reader's own morning habits, the importance of certain practices, and the nature of morning over-thinking.

Opinions

The author suggests that the first 20 minutes upon waking can be internally chaotic, implying this is a common experience.
There is a recognition of the struggle to balance a peaceful morning routine with the demands of daily life.
The text conveys an appreciation for mindfulness practices, such as breathing exercises and meditation, as tools to decrease mental chatter.
The author muses on the paradoxical pleasure of over-thinking in the morning, despite its potential to create disorder.
There is an implied curiosity about the diversity of morning routines and the practices that individuals find indispensable.

“My Morning Mental Masterbation”

Breathe.

Eyes open.

Breathe.

Eyes shift.

Breathe.

Grabs journal.

Breathe.

Captures furiously.

Breathe.

Hurry, dream is slipping away.

Breathe.

Dream is back in the underworld.

Breathe.

Sits up.

Breathe.

Mind chatter commences.

Breathe.

What was that she did to me years ago?

Breathe.

What’s the weather like today?

Breathe.

Oh yes, she cheated.

Breathe.

When’s my first meeting?

Breathe.

I might need an umbrella.

Breathe.

The dog missed the pads.

Breathe.

Turns on podcast.

Breath.

Brushes teeth.

Breathe.

Mind chatter continues (while podcast is playing).

Breathe.

I need to water the plants.

Breathe.

Finishes brushing teeth.

Breathe.

Wait, I need to hear this again.

Breathe.

Rewinds podcast.

Breathe.

Leaves phone by the sink.

Breathe.

Fills pitcher.

Breathe.

Podcast replays.

Breathe.

Watering bedroom plants, didn’t hear replay.

Breathe.

Grabs phone.

Breathe.

Turns on meditation timer.

Breathe.

Lights a candle, closes eyes.

Breathe.

What did I miss on the podcast?

Breathe.

Did I water the Dracaena?

Breathe.

The dog is licking my face.

Breathe.

FOCUS.

Breathe.

I need coffee.

Breathe.

My stomach hurts.

Breathe.

What day is it today?

Breathe.

DING!

Breathe.

Does anyone else’s first 20 minutes upon waking feel this (interally) chaotic? This doesn’t even include my walking the dog, meeting people, making coffee, journaling (again), light excercising, showering and actually preparing for the day.

What does your morning routine look and sound like? What are some practices you absolutely cannot go without? How do you decrease your mental chatter in the mornings? Why does over-thinking feel so good in the moment?

-Angelie F. H.