photo courtesy of Rebecca Sower
Alexandra Stoddard advocates elevating every day moments into daily rituals. In her book Living A Beautiful Life she writes:
One of the real goals of having rituals is to make sure there is ample time given to making the small things in our lives count. In this way, we enrich the whole of our lives, and continuity provides daily and weekly enrichment.
In my conversation with her, I asked Alexandra what her favorite daily ritual is. Without hesitation she answered, “Morning Solitude.” She said solitude in the mornings sets the tone for her whole day. She does not rush to connect herself with the world upon awakening. Rather, she gets up early and begins her day usually sitting at her writing desk. She loves to study, learn and contemplate. She says that the hours she spends alone in the early hours of the morning allow her to “focus inward with a clear head, preparing myself for the demands of the day.”
In her book Gracious Living in A New World Alexandra writes, “We fill our well before emptying it.” I love that.
I find this ritual of morning solitude to be a common theme among women who understand the concept of living a beautiful life. They understand the power of solitude and time for quiet thought, study, prayer and contemplation.
One such woman I admire is artist and blogger Rebecca Sower. She had this to share with us:
I’m including a photo of one of my most inspirational spots in my home…my seat in the sun. It’s just a small cafe table by my bedroom window where the morning sun comes in. It’s where I have my morning coffee, read, reflect, journal and sometimes just sit and stare out at the cows in the pasture.
Sounds dreamy to me, and her room is to die for!
Read more Grace Notes from Alexandra Stoddard!
Be sure and scroll back to see all the lovely goodness, inspiring ideas and featured guests that have already been posted! Thank you for encouraging everyone who is participating in Inspiration Week!
Next up: Kim from Daisy Cottage shares her morning ritual!
Photo copyright & courtesy of: Rebecca Sower
Find Rebecca at her lovely blog here.
Enjoy Rebecca’s wonderful shop of handcrafted items here.
