The Curateur's Lifestyleletter...Comments

I decided to post this immediately, even though it just went out, because of this response I got back from a beloved reader that made me laugh so hard I that snorted...

Please do not review Eat Pray Love next or I may throw up !!

Much love,

Aunt C

ROUTINE!



Ever notice how that word carries with it, if not a negative, than a somewhat cranky connotation? I just contributed an article to Green Monkey for an upcoming issue on the topic of "routines", which led me consider my routines; cherishing the ones that make me smile like this photo from We Heart It,





and considering leaving the others that illicit a reaction like this one from Amadika's Flickr behind.






These are a few of my faves...



Travel Routine: When I return home to NYC after a traveling spell, dinner is almost always takeout from Chicky's, a glass of wine and sitting at my kitchen table watching the world go by. I also have a tendency to randomly shout as if anyone is listening, "I love my apartment! I love being home!" Somehow I think my apartment needs the reassurance...


Weekend Routine: This routine isn't so much particular to me, as it is particular to New Yorkers I think, and centers around a quiet Sunday morning with the Times, a cup of coffee, a delicious breakfast, and jazz emanating around me. The source of said jazz tends to either be; a) Kind of Blue on my iPod (If you don't own some version of this entire Miles Davis album, you really REALLY should), b) God Bless the Child on the turntable, or c) WBGO on the Tivoli.


If you don't like listening to the radio, invest in a Tivoli. It has changed my world.


Roadtrip Routine: I drive a lot and enjoy road trips, but certain songs and albums make the ride so much more enjoyable and tend to be on constant rotation (some, i.e. Linkin Park, may even promote a lead foot). My little brother also recently discovered that I like driving with the windows down, the music turned up, and the seat warmers on. Hey, everyone has their quirks.


Mind-Body-Spirit Routine: Five days a week I roll out of bed and onto my yoga mat. My home practice lasts between 20 minutes and an hour; involves pranayama, asanas, and a selected mudra* to try for the day (Here's some tips on ways to integrate these quiet moments into your lifestyle.). And whether I'm the only person who notices the difference in a day that doesn't begin with yoga, or anyone else can tell the difference in my demeanor, it's a routine that I treasure.


*A mudra is a yogic hand pose rooted in Hindu teachings. Their lineage is somewhat mysterious and their affects disputed, but if you have ever had a hand or foot reflexology session or acupuncture, you can appreciate its thesis. An easy reference may be found here.