The word ablution comes from the Latin verb abluere, meaning to wash away. Earlier uses of the word occurred in contexts of alchemy and chemistry. Later and as early as 1553, it referred to washing as a religious rite. Many religions include washing of the body in rituals as a form of purification or dedication. The use of the term to refer to the action of washing one’s body without any religious significance did not take hold in English until the mid-18^th century.

Every morning, before my ‘ablutions,’ I would begrudgingly stumble stiff and foggy brained out of bed, after of course checking my phone for God only knows what for. My ‘ablutions’ started with going to the bathroom, washing my face, taking a shower, brewing a cup of coffee and drinking it while putting on makeup, brushing my teeth and getting dressed. All pretty much by rote.

Heading out the door, I checked my purse to make sure I had my phone, gathered any paperwork or anything else I needed, unless I forgot, and left the house for the day.

This had become my daily routine. Done without thinking about what I was doing or enjoying it. Just habit. Things I ‘had’ to do. There was no mindfulness about honoring my body or purifying it. It was just doing what one does in the morning.

My mind started off and running before I got out of bed with all the noisy self-chatter, we all experience. What do I have to do at work today, what conversations do I need to have, and the multitude of random wonderings about this and that.

All those random thoughts flooded my head, while brushing my teeth, while measuring out the coffee, while wondering what to wear. So, although my ‘daily ablutions’ are taken care of my spiritual ‘ablutions or cleansing,’ were being ignored.  My need for quiet time to count my blessings, appreciate and show gratitude for my health, family, friends.

My ‘hardware’ was being cleaned and shined but not my spirit the software running the hardware. Open programs, links left over from the day before were running all night. Loose ends, and unfinished business create quite a cache.

For a system to perform to its fullest, all parts need to be functioning at their best. Racing into the day with only ‘clean hardware’ is only part of the equation. The software needs to be free from viruses or bugs.

So, I added a few things to my ‘daily routine.’  Before getting out of bed, I started listening to a brief 5-minute morning prayer, guided meditation, or mantra. Chanting mantras is an ancient practice. A rhythmical repetition of a song, prayer, word or sound, which helps balance the nervous system and eliminate stress or tension.   I especially like the Insight Timer App. This sets a tone for my day. Then stretching before my feet touch the ground. Legs, back, and arms. Then I put on classical music.

While the coffee is brewing there is time for added stretches, yoga inspired. Again, for a brief 5-minutes. In the past I tried 20–30-minute yoga and exercise programs in the morning but found it was too long. And I didn’t keep it up.  Short brief time limits are perfect to start with. Setting a timer works for me.

Now instead of gulping down my coffee I take it out to the patio with a piece of toast, oatmeal or yogurt and mindfully enjoy the aromas, tastes and warmth of the sun.  I focus on my breathing. When my mind tries to race back to the ‘noisy chatter,’ I gently bring my focus back to my breath. In and out. In and out. Or I repeat a mantra, prayer or song.

I finish my ablutions more fully conscious, and mindful. The day starts gentler, and I move through with increased vitality and grace.