It seems to me, that the idea of flexibility implies the idea of routine. We don't have opportunities to be flexible and vary from a routine unless we have a routine in the first place. Not having a routine, doesn't equal flexibility, it equals chaos.
One way to think about our ability to be flexible is to imagine yourself driving in a strange town, on a strange freeway: Radio is off, all eyes are on the road, hands at 10 and 2... where are we?! No time for chit chat or goofing around! Where are we going?!
Then think of the way you are when you are driving on your commute to work: Radio on, possible chit chat with passengers, a quick fix of your hair in the mirror... relaxed and ready for a quick stop at that new coffee shop!
This is how I think of routine. When we don't know what to expect, it's hands at 10 and 2 and no talking! If we are doing what we always do, we have time and energy for another book, another song, maybe even a pillow fight. Routine frees us up to savor the moments, not fight over details.
