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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Are birthday greetings in order, Priya? If so Happy Birthday. I can almost smell your masala chai! What a lovely morning ritual.

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Priya Iyer's avatar

No, later in the summer, Jeanine! I wrote this last year and reshared it. Thank you!

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Jeanine Kitchel's avatar

Just checking ):

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LeeAnn Pickrell's avatar

I love this and the glimpses of your neighbors through the persimmon tree are so sweet. I love looking out the window. I use coffee instead of chai but I start every morning sitting in bed, drinking coffee, looking out at the Japanese maple

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Priya Iyer's avatar

What a wonderful way to start the day, LeeAnn. I look out at the birds playing games and the persimmon tree's changing shape. It's an anchor before the day carries me away. Thank you for sharing!

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Michael Edward's avatar

The way you speak of your morning tea as a fulcrum that keeps you grounded is so illuminating, Priya. I love the idea that our little rituals act as still points in a turning world. There is so magic in the little things. A great piece Priya :)

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Michael, thank you! I just got back from reading your spider story and it was amazing!

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Michael Edward's avatar

My pleasure, Priya.

And thank you, I just got back from reading you lovely comment on it :)

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Savita Krishnamoorthy's avatar

What a lovely visual you have painted with your morning routine, Priya.

I brew a cup of coffee and sit on my old, comfy couch and look out at my backyard. In the summer, it is filled with red rambling roses and overgrown hydrangeas that threaten to take over everything (but I am loath to prune them because I love their wildness).

I switch on the lamp and my small Buddha on the table is suffused in its soft glow. He exudes a serenity that radiates in the room’s stillness My beloved dog snuggles near my feet, warming my toes. He offers a comfort that he has no idea of.

This time is precious when the house is quiet. It centers me and gets me ready to face the world.

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Priya Iyer's avatar

Savita, that sounds wonderful! If I am mindful at the beginning of the day, it carries through into the day and changes its quality. When I make the tea is also when I feel the words well up and so it’s a precious time! Thank you for sharing!

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