On Rituals

​I've been thinking a lot about ritual. When I start to feel resistance – say to daylight savings time or having to get up for work – I look to create mini rituals for myself. It makes the day-to-day, even mundane tasks a little more special. More purposeful. More fulfilling. 

Want to create rituals for yourself? It's mostly about setting aside time and space just for YOU, as needed. I might also suggest:  
 

• Lighting candles or burning incense 
• Listening to a specially curated playlist or podcast
• Setting an intention, reading a poem, or saying a prayer
• Making a drink (like warm tea, an indulgent latte, or something stronger)
• Reflecting on what you did and how you felt, either mentally or in your journal 

​Here are some of the ways I have ritualized moments throughout my week: 
 
1. I've started lighting candles in the morning. Rather than get up, get ready, and get out the door, I’ve extended my morning routine to include candlelit meditation and some extra time to read personal email and blogs while I sip and savor my coffee. The candlelight is a real treat.  
 
2. While I would rather not spend my free time cleaning on the weekends, it has become an important part of how I reconnect and restore and prepare for the week ahead. I put on a thoughtful podcast while I clean my home, knowing that, not only does a tidy and uncluttered space help to declutter my mind as well, but I'll be able to sit down and rest and enjoy that clean space later. Some of my favorite podcasts are Unlocking Us by Brené Brown, Good Life Project, and On Being. It's also important to me to use natural cleaning products, essential oils, and reusable supplies, ones that are good for me and the planet.  
 
3. I’ve embraced yoga practice as ritual. As someone who was initially drawn to the physicality of yoga practice some ten years ago, I can say that I've been fully converted. Give me blankets, eye pillows, silent meditation, and incense. I take refuge in the ritual of my yoga practice, and I maintain that yoga studios are my church. Especially now that I'm practicing more from home, I fully embrace the occasion: I light candles, silence my phone, and take about 30 minutes to an hour just for me and my wellbeing.   
 
I am posting this on the Winter Solstice, as I prepare to light candles, practice yoga and meditation, and make intentions for the coming year. I'm very much looking forward to it! 
 
What are some of your rituals? I have been thinking mostly about rituals in the home, but I know that going out to grocery shop or take a walk can also be sacred time well spent. What else? What else do you do to live more fully in the moment?