rituals, some ineffectual

In addition to the horrific number of hours I worked this week, I'm also quite pleased to say that I've been praying every morning. Because of the morning devotions, I've also been performing a nearly-full regiment of morning toiletries and waking up early enough to accomplish them and still leave on time for work, rather than my previous habit of running out the door with a bagel stuffed in my mouth while buttoning my pants. Most importantly, though, I have not been checking my email first thing.

I'm tempted to go ahead and try to add yoga to my mornings now, but I'm worried this may be too much, too quickly. When does a newly incorporated habit become an established part of the ritual? If I am forced to take Small Steps, then how small must they be?

Another question that's come up is my trip to Arkansas. Would it be uncouth of me to pray while on vacation at the home of complete strangers who are most likely not impressively open-minded? Would it be uncouth of me to stop praying just because I'm on vacation?

I can remember my grandfather pacing in the guest bedroom of my parents' home, incanting the Jai Ganesha. He would tell me that the whole point of prayer and meditation is that it has nothing to do with anyone but you and God.

( social rituals )

In other news, I realized today that September 15th will mark one full year since I first moved to Chicago. I should do something to celebrate.

more to do about nothing

( to do list )