I know life goes better, for me at least, with some structure and that has to start the minute I open my eyes or the whole morning might slither right out of my hands like untethered rope off a dock. Right now, the promise of coffee is the lever that gets me out of bed and obviously coffee is delicious, but it’s not a framework for the day.
We all have a day that waits for us, and whether it is already mostly sketched out with responsibilities and obligations, or we’re left to create it for ourselves, we have the opportunity to state the terms of the engagement.
If you already have a morning prayer, or a slogan, or an affirmation that you use first thing, superb. But if it is more of a desperate pep talk, and involves several mentions of coffee, you might consider developing a standardized approach or routine. Repetition trains our brains, and a daily ritual that sets the day in motion in an encouraging way can only be a positive addition.
I wrote my own morning prayer in the style of the religious practice I made up, Robinsonism, based on the book, “The Swiss Family Robinson.” There is already a Robinsonite Creed. I’m also working on an evening prayer. You don’t have to write yours, but I wanted to show you that it is an option if you can’t find a prayer that suits you.
The Robinsonite Morning Prayer
Divine Creator, Hand of Providence,
Ahead the morning, the sea, the harbor.
May my course, charted or uncharted,
Be guided by where I’m called to sail,
And steered toward things that bring me
The most enthusiasm today.
May I do them to the best of my ability.
May I make the most of what I find on the shore.
May I be thankful to stand at the wheel of my life,
And navigate past any spirit of bitterness
that comes from a misperception of lack.
May I be spiritually responsible in my interactions
With others and with myself.
May the pleasure of fair winds and following seas
Become a necessity, and not an option.
And may I be thankful today and every day
For full sails, smooth decks, and steady hands.
Ahoy.
