Shaving by Candlelight
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By Tim Anderson
“I’d like mornings better if they started later”
–Author Unknown
What kind of a morning person are you?
I have a writing friend who says she is definitely not a morning person. She is much more of a late-night-creative, who prefers to awake at the crack of tenish. I know another writer who is often up, sans alarm clock, at four or five, bounding out of bed with a full head of steam, eager to get to the tasks of the day.
Me?
I’m an ease-into-the-day-slowly, and quietly, type person. I don’t jump out of bed filled with enthusiasm and, frankly, I’m somewhat suspicious of those who do. I prefer an easy introduction to the day. Bright lights, loud noises, and harsh topics are better saved for later in the day.
I recently found a quite satisfying new habit to add to my morning routine. I’ve begun to shave by candlelight. Just one of those little tea candles, placed on an old jar lid. No heavy scents. The light it casts is just enough to see my face, albeit a bit dimly, allowing me to apply the shaving cream and to leave my sideburns in relatively the same position each day.
Of course, if I have a meeting later that day, I have to recheck my morning shave in the full light of day. There’s always plenty of residual stubble to be cared for. But, if the day is mainly to be spent close to home, the candlelit shave will suffice.
I’ve found it to be quite peaceful. The small flicker of flame. The need to lift the candle close to my face when I trim my sideburns. The ebb and flow of light dancing across the mirror, enticing my eyes to join the day, encouraging my spirit to see beyond the rigors of this simple morning task…
So it is with writing. We are, each of us, unique. We awaken to differing rhythms and meanings of life. That’s just how it should be - each of us writing our own story, relishing our own little flicker of life.
Enjoy the journey.
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Tim Anderson specializes in writing health content and press releases. Check out his bio. and other samples of his work by clicking on his name above.
Topics: writer's life, Tim Anderson, The Medical Migrant |
September 24th, 2007 at 5:17 pm
I quite agree with the anonymous quote that I would like morning better if only they started later..and if they greeted me with more light.
Hmmmm. I might get along with that first friend you mentioned quite well…
Sylvia C.