Morning Ritual
Photography: Jillian Clark
Ingredients:
1 Lemon With Skin On
32oz Water
Directions:
Chop lemons and add to water in a pot. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes, then strain. Drink hot, warm or cold throughout the day.
Words by:
Charman Driver
I was four years old when I started making my own bed. My sister and I weren’t permitted to come to breakfast before doing so. That ritual has held fast for me my entire life—even through my disorderly college years—and I’m thankful for it.
All of my adult life, I have craved and created daily rituals that work for me in a similar fashion as bed making. My rituals are like familiar friends, safe, and mentally start each day off on the right foot. Plus, rituals can build confidence as you cultivate good habits that nourish overall wellness.
Many types of rituals are ceremonial, repetitive and distracting (as a way of focus). Take time to notice all of the ritual-like occurrences in your daily life and name them. I asked a few friends what their daily rituals look like and this is what they said:
“I wake up and immediately go open my drapes to see the sun shine in.”
“I wake up every day at the same time, early, and walk my dog to the park.”
“Every morning, upon waking, I say a little prayer of gratitude and write in my journal.”
“I stretch for five minutes every morning before I do anything else. It makes me feel great.”
Lemon water is a ritual that I hope will become a favorite for BY: NEST readers. For me it’s the ceremony of doing something nurturing for myself in the mad rush of my family’s weekday mornings—and it reminds me to slow down. Lemon water is warm, calming, tasty and quick — with many added health benefits like hydration and vitamin c.