Rituals
Why Rituals can enrich our lives
What rituals do you have in your life that help you to feel more fulfilled? What do you do each day to help you feel more present, conscious and authentic? How do you connect with your Body, your Soul and your Heart each day?
Rituals can give us a sense of stability and peace in a world that sometimes can feel chaotic and overwhelming.
A ritual is something you do with commitment, purpose and energy put into it. By bringing your full attention and presence into a practice, your daily Ritual has potential to affect your life and wellbeing in a profound way. I believe that in a world that is sometimes chaotic and overwhelming, Rituals can give us a sense of stability and peace. By having a consistent practice, whether it's movement, meditation, journaling, or something else, the connection with ourselves will deepen. It’s a way to honor our feelings and needs, and to shed light on what's meaningful in life.
There are many ways to create Rituals. The key is to find what works for you and to make it a regular part of your day. It doesn't have to be a two-hour practice for it to count. Start with a shorter Ritual, maybe 5-15 minutes every morning. It’s not the time that’s the important part, but the thing you do every day that brings you balance and peace. Consistency is everything. Many people find it meaningful to begin their day with a morning practice to set intentions for the day. Reflecting on your feelings, emotions and how you treat others and yourself first thing in the morning makes for meaningful choices throughout your day. It can be something as simple as lighting a candle each morning or taking a few moments to meditate before bed. The important thing is consistency.
It can be nice to use herbs, crystals, and candles in your Ritual practice. The first thing I do every morning is smudging with Palo Santo wood, it helps to remove stagnant and negative energies. You can also use a herb bundle, such as white Sage. The mood-lifting power of essential oils is also always part of my morning Ritual. The things you choose to use in our Rituals are a matter of personal choice. It can add some extra flavor, but it's not the most important part. Showing up is what matters most.
“Rituals nourish our sense of reverence, wonder, and wellbeing by connecting us to the mystery of existence.”
I believe that Rituals can help us feel connected to something larger than ourselves, whether that is a community, a spiritual tradition, or the natural world. They have the power to nourish our sense of reverence, wonder, and wellbeing by connecting us to the mystery of existence. By turning to a practice with dedication we are reminded of what’s important in life, it brings forth our values.
I think of Rituals as a form of self-care. A morning Ritual brings a moment of peace and calm before the busy day starts. When we put time and intention into our practice it can have a profound impact on our lives. Especially in today’s time-starved culture when it’s easy to loose your footing. Getting the day started in a meaningful manner will carry over into the rest of the day. Resulting in a deeper feeling of groundedness, peace and balance throughout your day.
My morning ritual always includes meditation. It helps me connect and feel more in touch with my true Self. I also find the practice of journaling to be a meaningful tool for understanding myself better. Besides that, my morning ritual also includes yoga and free movement. Dancing or shaking to music is a way for me to express my creativity and a true Gateway to my Soul. It connects me with my deepest Self, the part that is wise, wild and free.
When was the last time you had a moment to just be present with your thoughts, feelings, and emotions?
When we tend to the fire in our heart, we’re letting the higher self stepping forward to guide us. No matter how elaborate or simple the Ritual is, what is important is that it's meaningful to you.
It was when I made the conscious decision to create a sacred space in my life where I could return repeatedly that transformation began to unfold. I found that having a regular practice provided me with structure and time out from my sometimes chaotic day-to-day life. It made me realise that I had the power to actually create more sacredness in my life by choosing to honor the power of Rituals. In the process of becoming more conscious and intentional about my practice, I found that it became a powerful vehicle for healing and transformation.
Honoring endings and recognizing new beginnings
In order to prepare for what lies ahead, it is important to let go of what has gone before. December, the last month of the year, will be a perfect time for a Letting Go Rituals, as a way to release anything that is not aligned with your highest purpose. With a clear intention in your heart, a simple ritual or action is enough, it does’t have to be difficult.
Shaking meditation is a simple practice I do whenever I feel the need to release something. It's a beautiful way to shake things off. Put on some fiery music, close your eyes, and let the music enter your body. Do not focus too much on how you move, but rather let yourself be moved from within. It may take a while to get into this practice, so allow at least 3 or 4 songs to play.
A burning Ritual can be another way of releasing anything that’s holding you back, to make room for more of what you want in life. Find a comfortable seat and place a candle in front of you. Take some time to sit in stillness. Imagine yourself releasing everything you wish to let go of into the flame of the candlelight. You can even write it down on a piece of paper and burn the paper with the intention of letting go.
If you're looking for ways to increase the sense of inner peace and balance in life, this is an invitation to create your own Rituals. Mediate, journal, move, breathe, or do whatever brings you meaning and grounds you in the present.
During the dark days of December, take some time to reflect on the year that has passed. New possibilities can arise when you let go of things you don't want to carry over to the new year. Don't underestimate the power of simple things done with intention and presence. Weaving Rituals into your daily life will help you to remember your needs and ensure that you don't get caught up in everyday life's hustle and bustle.
