Routine

I recently went to a seminar that included a presentation by a private detective. The man was a former state policeman. He has been involved in crime and people behaving badly for a long time. As he was demonstrating to the group about how he "catches" people, he commented that people always follow a routine, or have a pattern. He was expressing how easy it is, really, after all. People lying, cheating, commiting crimes or at least betrayal. He had this sad, resigned look about him - they'll get caught: everyone acts with routines. If you can follow someone to someplace once, they'll go again. Primarily, I thought this man was so sad and cynical. But then I thought about whether or not I blieved that everyone follows routines, behaves in patterns. No! Really? Are we all so predictable? Mindless in our day? Is routine good for our souls, or stifling? At first, I did not believe that my schedule had any routine at all, except for when I arrived and left work. But, as I thought about it, the patterns emerged (Think "The DaVinci Code" - if I knew how to upload the music, I'd do it). I awaken at the same time, take the dogs out, fill the bird feeders, take the towels off of the towel warmer, while I wait for the hot water in the shower, I look out the window to see if I can see deer in the yard or just to see what I can see, my shower even has a usual progression of tasks, even dressing, makeup and hair, and on and on. Almost each tiny step of my entire morning IS routine! Now, even though the rest of the day isn't quite as choreographed, still.... I don't know what I think about that.