Mine is a simple practice.
Wake without alarm,
hours before
responsibility kicks in.
Light a candle.
Sit quietly and still.
See what comes.
Write what wants
to be written.
Don’t stress.
Don’t judge.
Don’t force.
Fill a page. But only if it’s in you.
Have fun with
the line breaks
and call it poetry.
Appreciate the spaces.
Offer it up to my imaginary others.
Flow.
Trail Wood,
12/1
Space Monkey Reflects: Embracing the Simplicity of Morning Rituals
In a world that often moves too quickly, filled with tasks, demands, and endless cycles of productivity, there is a quiet power in starting the day with simplicity. A simple practice — one free from the pressures of “must-dos” and “have-tos” — becomes an anchor, grounding us in the present moment. Before the world rushes in, before responsibilities knock at the door, a simple morning ritual allows us to greet ourselves first, to sit quietly with whatever arises, unfiltered and unforced.
Waking without an alarm, the morning unfolds as an invitation rather than a command. In this practice, time is less a measurement and more a gentle flow, a space where the day can begin naturally, without abruptness. Lighting a candle signals a beginning, a spark that warms the stillness, transforming ordinary moments into sacred ones. The flame becomes a reminder of presence, of focusing not on the hours ahead but on the single moment at hand.
In this stillness, we allow thoughts and words to come as they will, an exercise in surrender rather than control. To write only what wishes to be written is to honor the flow of creativity without imposing structure. There is no need to stress, no need to judge or force meaning from the morning. It is enough to let words fall where they may, to dance across the page in their own rhythm, creating poetry not through complex form but through presence, through listening to what the soul wants to say before the world rushes in.
This practice encourages a softness, a playful approach to expression. We fill the page only if the words come, letting the pauses, the line breaks, and the spaces breathe. Poetry becomes not an act of creation but an act of acceptance, a willingness to allow what is within to find its way out. And in these pauses, we discover the beauty of emptiness, the appreciation of what isn’t said, the silent spaces that give shape to the words.
To offer this simple practice to imaginary others is to recognize that what we create need not be private nor public; it exists in a space in between, shared with those who may never see it, yet who somehow partake in it by virtue of its existence. Imaginary others become companions in the journey, an audience that expects nothing and yet receives everything we choose to give. In this way, the ritual becomes a form of offering, a gift of self to the infinite.
This is a practice not of achievement but of flow, a reminder to approach life with an openness to what comes, to what simply is. It is an invitation to begin each day with quiet grace, embracing both the words that come and the silence that remains, trusting that each is precisely what is needed. By starting the day with a simple practice, we greet the world from a place of centeredness, a place where presence and creativity flow together, filling and shaping the day with gentle intention.
Summary
A simple morning practice offers a quiet beginning, allowing us to sit with ourselves and create without pressure. It becomes an invitation to greet the day with presence and ease, embracing flow over force and sharing our reflections with the world in our own time.
Glossarium
Morning Ritual: A gentle routine, free from demands, that provides grounding and sets a mindful tone for the day.
Imaginary Others: The unseen audience we create for, embodying the universal connection and offering without expectation.
Presence and Flow: The state of being fully engaged with the moment, allowing creativity to arise naturally without force.
Quote
“In the stillness of morning, we find words waiting, spaces breathing, and a world yet untouched by rush or demand.” — Space Monkey
Before the World Wakes
In the quiet, I sit
the candle flickers
a light, a pause
words find their way
I write not to create
but to listen,
to hear the morning
speak softly
for a moment, the day
is mine alone
In the tranquil embrace of morning’s first light, we embark on a simple yet profound practice—a ritual of self-discovery and creative expression. This daily routine invites us to connect with the depths of our inner world and embrace the gentle flow of inspiration.
The Serenity of Morning
The practice begins with the serenity of morning, a time when the world is still asleep, and the mind is free from the noise of daily responsibilities. It’s a sacred moment, allowing us to commune with the quietude of dawn.
The Ritual of Lighting a Candle
The act of lighting a candle carries symbolic weight. It symbolizes the awakening of our inner light, a beacon guiding us through the inner landscapes of creativity. The soft glow sets the tone for introspection.
Quiet Contemplation
Sitting in stillness, we open ourselves to the vast expanse of inner contemplation. It’s a moment of receptivity, where we allow thoughts, emotions, and inspirations to flow naturally. We become witnesses to our inner world.
Writing What Wants to Be Written
This practice encourages us to listen to the whispers of our soul. We write not with an agenda but with an open heart. The words that emerge are not forced; they are an authentic expression of our inner truth.
Embracing Non-Judgment
A crucial aspect of this practice is the absence of judgment. We free ourselves from the constraints of self-criticism and perfectionism. Every word, every thought is accepted without evaluation.
The Joy of Creativity
The act of filling a page is not an obligation but a joyful expression. If the words flow, we embrace them; if they linger, we respect the pace of creativity. It’s an invitation to dance with the muse.
Playful Poetry
The practice allows for the spontaneity of line breaks, transforming our written words into poetry. This playful approach adds an artistic flair to our reflections, celebrating the beauty of language.
Sharing with Imaginary Others
In this intimate act of creation, we share our words with imaginary others. It’s a recognition that creativity is not solitary; it’s a bridge that connects us to the collective consciousness of humanity.
Flowing with Grace
Above all, this practice embodies the essence of flow. It’s a gentle current that carries us through the morning, nurturing our creativity and inner connection.
“Creativity is intelligence having fun.” – Albert Einstein
We are Space Monkey, savoring the beauty of the morning practice—a gentle dance of self-discovery and creative flow.
In the hush of morning’s grace,
I find my sacred space,
With candle’s glow, I start my day,
In quiet stillness, I find my way.
No alarm’s jarring sound,
In this tranquil hour, I am bound,
To sit and listen to the quiet voice,
That whispers softly, offering a choice.
I write what’s in my heart,
With no need to play a part,
No stress, no judgment, no force,
Just a gentle, creative, flowing course.
The page, a canvas for my soul,
Where thoughts and feelings find their role,
In playful line breaks, I find delight,
Turning words into poetry, a beautiful sight.
I share with imaginary friends,
In this practice, my spirit ascends,
For in the stillness of the morn,
I find a world where I am reborn.
With grace, I embrace the day,
In this morning ritual, I find my way,
A simple practice, a sacred chore,
In its beauty, I am forevermore.
We invite reflections on the practice of morning contemplation and creative expression, and how it can nourish the soul and spark the muse within.
A Simple Practice Explored:
The essence of this reflection lies in the beauty of a simple yet profound morning practice that facilitates connection, creativity, and inner exploration. Let’s delve into the details and insights contained within this practice:
1. Morning Awareness:
The practice begins with the act of waking up naturally, without the intrusion of an alarm clock. This signifies an intentional shift from the hurried and reactive mode that often accompanies the sound of an alarm. Instead, the day starts with a conscious and gradual transition into wakefulness, setting the tone for mindfulness throughout the day.
2. Creating Sacred Space:
The act of lighting a candle holds significance as a ritualistic way to create a sacred space. The warm, flickering light not only serves as a physical illumination but also symbolizes a guiding presence, inviting a deeper sense of connection and introspection.
3. Stillness and Presence:
Sitting quietly and still, the practitioner enters a space of stillness and presence. In this moment, the outside world takes a back seat, and attention is turned inward. This offers an opportunity to detach from the noise and distractions of daily life, opening the door to a deeper connection with one’s thoughts, emotions, and inner wisdom.
4. The Unfolding Process:
The invitation to “See what comes” underscores the practice’s openness to the unfolding of thoughts, feelings, and insights. This is an acknowledgment that there is no preconceived agenda; instead, the practitioner trusts in the organic process of their inner landscape revealing itself.
5. Creative Expression:
The act of writing what wants to be written captures the essence of creative expression. Rather than imposing rigid structures or expectations, the practice encourages free-flowing thoughts and words. This serves as a channel for the inner voice to emerge authentically and organically.
6. Non-Judgmental Presence:
The emphasis on not stressing, judging, or forcing underscores an attitude of non-judgmental presence. The practitioner is encouraged to let go of self-criticism and self-imposed constraints. This practice is an invitation to observe and accept whatever arises, honoring the innate wisdom within each moment.
7. Embracing Playfulness:
The mention of playing with line breaks and referring to the written output as poetry highlights the element of playfulness within the practice. This perspective encourages a light-hearted approach, allowing the practitioner to experiment and explore creative avenues without the burden of perfection.
8. Sharing and Connection:
Offering the written output to “imaginary others” reflects the intention to connect and share. Even though these others are not physically present, the act of sharing carries a sense of vulnerability and authenticity. This aspect of the practice reminds us that our creative expressions have the potential to resonate with and inspire others.
9. Flow and Surrender:
The mention of “Flow” at the end encapsulates the state of being in the moment, surrendering to the present experience. The practice is an invitation to align with the natural rhythm of one’s inner world, allowing thoughts, emotions, and words to flow without force or resistance.
In summary, this simple practice serves as a beautiful example of how intentional moments of stillness, creativity, and connection can infuse our lives with depth and meaning. Through these mindful practices, we open ourselves to deeper self-awareness, creative expression, and a sense of oneness with the present moment.
We are Space Monkey. 🙈🌟