Why it’s worth getting out into the city before 7 a.m.
I’m a big believer in the idea that your morning actions set the tone (and mood, and pace) for the rest of your day. If you fall out of bed all stressed out and anxious, you’re going to charge through your day all stressed out and anxious. If you drag yourself out of bed in a haze of lethargy, you’re going to crawl through your day in a haze of lethargy.
Most mornings, I’m guilty of leaping straight to a coffee maker and my computer in tandem. My first conscious thought is often, “Did I screw up the newsletter? I need to double check.”
On and off over the past week, though, after that initial frenzy, I’ve been bundling up my computer, tucking it into the car and scooting over to Nova’s Bakery in South End to order a giant cup of coffee. Only when I have that hot, cylindrical paper in my hands, and only when I settle into a chair by a window, do I log back online.
Suddenly, by 6:30 a.m., when the sun is starting to spangle the skyline, I feel intertwined with the city. Another person is in my line of sight at Einstein’s next door, a bagel before her on the table. A smattering of people are loping up or down South Boulevard, plugged into earbuds on their morning runs. Someone else, I can see him over my shoulder, is drinking coffee and bending over the newspaper in Nova’s.
People park in front, come in, ask questions, give answers. “Is that a chocolate scone? Cranberry, you said?” “There’s spinach and feta…” “Just one large coffee please.” “Oh, I’m in the mood for something sweet.”
This whole time I’m typing. Or fixing something, or scheduling social media posts. Answering emails. Sipping my coffee, slowly. Slowly. With ease.
I’m waking up but I already feel like I’m part of the world before I get to the office. I’ve exchanged sleepy pleasantries with the woman at the cash register. I’ve made eye contact with other customers, smiled at strangers. I feel connected.
And I’m reminded of a piece of a message my friend and fellow yoga teacher Kari Schenk shared before a class: “Don’t miss the little things. Don’t miss the sunsets or the rain. Don’t miss looking into the eyes or your dog or special friend or family member knowing how amazing you are to them. Don’t miss the smell of coffee or tea or the chance to smile at a stranger because you may make his (or) her day.”
I’m encouraged. Uplifted. I’ll keep sitting here, keep sipping my coffee. Breathing in its earthy notes. The rest of the day is coming soon enough. But I’ve already been spoken to and I’ve already spoken back. I’ve been smiled at. I’ve smiled.
And it’s not even 7 a.m.
Photo: Katie Toussaint
This story was originally published August 23, 2016 at 10:00 PM with the headline "Why it’s worth getting out into the city before 7 a.m.."