The struggle is real for me if I skip my morning routine. I give myself at least 45 minutes every morning to complete it. It keeps me grounded and it brings me peace. It helps keep my anxiety in check. As soon as I open my eyes I say a very short and simple Yoruba prayer:

Ori pele atete niran gnbe ni koosa. Ko soosa tii da ni gbe leyin Ori eni.

In English it translates to this:

Head I call you. You always quickly bless your own. You who bless a person before any spirit. No spirit blesses a person without any permission from head.

This simple prayer immediately brings me peace. Although I’m still in the process of fully waking up, I’m in a good space. I’m not rushed or stressed about my day. I’m at peace with my day…

Next I put on my favorite purple robe. It belonged to my Grandmother. She transitioned in 2004.  As soon as I put it on I feel as if she’s hugging me.

I go downstairs and make myself a cup of coffee. Just as my Grandmother used to do, in this very robe. I sit in silence, sip and enjoy my coffee. I can feel her presence with me. It is important to me to continue our morning coffee bonding sessions.

My morning routine includes drinking coffee in my Grandmother's purple robe.
My morning routine would not be complete without drinking coffee in my Grandmother’s purple robe.

After I finish my coffee I tend to my Egun/Ancestral shrine. I change their water- daily. I refreshen whatever needs to be refreshed. Sometimes I will sit with them. Meditate and express my gratitude. Without them there is no me. I wish more people understood this, but I’ll save that for another post.

After I tend to the Ancestors I acknowledge the Orisha. Yes I am an Olorisha, daughter of Oshun. There are specific prayers we say when acknowledging the Orisha. I acknowledge my ancestors and loved ones that have transitioned. I acknowledge my Orisha Godparents and Babalow. Quite a bit of praying is happening at this point. When I feel I’m at a good place, I wrap up the prayers.

Then and only then do I feel my morning routine is completed and I’m ready to take on my day. I feel really good, and I feel invincible. However… there have been times situations arise and my morning routine is thrown off. When that happens, it spiritually throws me off. I feel off, I feel like the most basic thing becomes a struggle. My mood is off and my day feels like an absolute “Shit Show”.  I recognize it and stick to my routine. Even if it means waking up earlier to complete it.

It’s a part of my self care.

What’s your morning routine? How do you begin your day? What do you do in the morning to bring peace to your day?

Click below to read and enjoy a prayer to Orunmila.

http://reneholiday.com/orunmilas-morning-prayer/