Basically, I start my morning off with a Bustelo coffee made in

In the quiet moments of the early morning, there is a ritual that nourishes not just the body, but the soul—a moment of stillness, of warmth, of tradition. Debi Mazar, a woman whose journey through life has been both vibrant and grounded, shares a piece of this ritual when she says, “Basically, I start my morning off with a Bustelo coffee made in a mocha pot - the Bialetti. I warm some milk on the side, on my stove, and I add one teaspoon or half a teaspoon of real sugar. I have two of these every morning. Even when I was pregnant.” In these words, we hear the rhythm of a daily practice, one that connects the past to the present, that ties her to a tradition passed down through generations, and yet, it is uniquely hers.

This simple act of making coffee, of preparing the day with intention, speaks to a much deeper truth—the power of ritual. From ancient times, mankind has sought meaning in the daily routines, the rituals that provide a sense of order amidst the chaos of life. The Egyptians, for instance, had their sacred rituals, performed every day with reverence, to honor their gods and ensure balance in their lives. Similarly, Mazar’s morning ritual with coffee—a carefully prepared drink, with its rich flavor and aroma—becomes not just a physical act, but a personal communion with the day ahead. It is a grounding force, a way to start the day with intention and clarity.

The method in which Mazar prepares her coffee—the Bialetti mocha pot—also carries deep symbolic weight. The mocha pot, a timeless creation, has been the companion of many for generations, symbolizing simplicity, authenticity, and a deep connection to the traditions of those who came before. This ritual of coffee preparation harkens back to the Italian tradition of crafting espresso, a drink that carries not only the taste of the land, but the legacy of artisans who devoted themselves to perfecting this sacred brew. By using this vessel, Mazar taps into a legacy of craftsmanship, a reminder that even the simplest of acts can be infused with history, culture, and meaning.

Mazar’s consistency in this ritual, even during the significant change of pregnancy, reveals another timeless truth— the importance of continuity. In the face of change, whether it be the passage of time, personal transformation, or life's many challenges, there is power in holding onto something constant. Like the great warrior-kings of old, who maintained daily routines amidst the turmoil of battle, Mazar’s morning ritual offers stability, a moment of peace in an otherwise unpredictable world. Pregnancy, that great transformative experience, did not sever her connection to this practice; rather, it deepened it, providing a grounding force amidst the shifts of life. In this, we see that the small rituals we carry with us can act as anchors, stabilizing us as we navigate the storms of life.

Consider the example of Alexander the Great, who, despite the enormity of his conquests and battles, adhered to a certain regimen and routine, even in his campaigns. Whether it was his physical training or the rituals he maintained for his soldiers, Alexander understood the value of consistency. His victories were not just born of strength, but of his ability to bring order to chaos, to create a sense of normalcy and structure in the midst of constant upheaval. Mazar’s coffee ritual, like Alexander’s routines, serves as a source of strength, focus, and clarity.

The lesson, then, is simple yet profound: find rituals that ground you, that connect you to the present and to the past. Mazar’s morning coffee is not merely a drink; it is a practice that reflects her values, her culture, and her sense of self. Whether it’s a cup of coffee, a morning walk, or a moment of silence before the world awakens, each of us must cultivate daily rituals that anchor us to the present and allow us to face the challenges ahead with clarity.

So, let us take this wisdom to heart. Embrace the power of the small, seemingly mundane actions that shape our day. Find rituals that speak to your soul, that give you strength and focus, and carry them with you through each season of life. In doing so, we honor the legacy of those who came before us, and we create our own legacy for future generations to carry forward. Like Mazar’s morning ritual, let our daily practices become our anchors, guiding us through the ebb and flow of life with grace and intention.