The Daily Ritual of Changing Your Underwear

When I was little I remember hearing my mom share that the rationale she learned from her mother about changing her underwear daily was to avoid the horror of being in an accident and the hospital or ambulance people seeing that you had dirty underwear. That was my grandma: behaviors were taught, motivated and performed based on what others would think. 
 
Despite my rebelliousness about doing things because of what others would think, I’m a bit embarrassed to admit that some mornings I look at yesterday’s underwear, cock my head and consider, “Could I wear these again today?” I feel I have a little more permission to do this knowing  my older sisters used to reuse hers Inside-out when she was in college and responsible for doing her own laundry for the first time.
 
I do my own laundry by hand outside where the mountain spring water arrives via garden hose. But sometimes it doesn’t come, or the weather is too wet and the pile accumulates. It is on those rare occasions that I might (grimace) turn a pair inside out and use them, praying I don’t get in an accident so everyone would see the seams on the outside and know. Though here in my mountain village in Mexico I don’t think people would judge or even notice that!

I’m writing about this because I see the morning undergarment decision as an important part of setting my intentions for the day. Mostly it revolves around which color radiates how I want and need to feel today. Every need and intention has it’s corresponding colors. So first I check in. What do I want to feel and what do I need from my underwear today? Do I need to feel courageous? Grounded? Self-loving? Protected? Strong? Calm? Particularly connected to my essence? On goes the pair of undies that will provide.

It takes a moment, and it might seem funny and strange to you, but for me it is a part of the ritual of transition from home and sleep to being out in the world.
 
Every moment is the end of something and the beginning of something else. On the scale of daily cycles there is sunrise, day, sunset and night. How I move between them is a matter of consciousness, desire and intention for my day and my life. I love being aware of life in this way. Although it presents challenges, it offers harmoniousness between my self, nature, my body and the universe.
 
Soon I’ll write about another part of the daily cycle which has been difficult for me for years and which I’m grateful to be making progress on: the transition from day and working or yang energy, to the yin time of evening that wants release, preparation for rest.

Meanwhile, what daily rituals have you become more aware or are wanting to incorporate? How do you see it helping or supporting you?