My name literally means "break of day," so it makes sense that early morning holds special meaning for me. Over the past several years, I have become very intentional about the first hour or so of every day, in large part inspired by what other women in recovery have shared about the benefits of their own morning rituals.
I've listened carefully, tried on different things, and designed my own nurturing morning practice. I get up at 5:30 a.m.
to enjoy quiet, solo time. I don't like being rigid, so the order in which I do things varies, but the things I do are very consistent.
There is always a decaf latte and ten to twenty minutes of sitting in silence, which may or may not take the form of meditation. I write or journal, read from a daily meditation book, and pull a tarot card.
I top everything off with a scalding hot shower. Toward the end of the shower, I pour a few drops of essential oil into the palms of my hands, rub them together, breathe in the vibrant scent, and say a prayer of thanksgiving.