Rituals

Over the last thirty years my own understanding of rituals has moved from “what are they all about?” “Don’t tell me what to do!” to “ahh.. now I understand!”

Its curious how our own understanding for something changes, evolves and settles within our being/body systems or not - timing is everything though that remark itself can open a can of worms!… “What is time? Is it an illusion?” that’s another conversation for another day!

Rituals and how I have come to understand them is for my own everyday reality to shift perspective; the ritual of lighting a candle, reciting a prayer/mantra/verse, invites my mind, body and spirit to know what is expected and for each ecosystem within to adapt and shift towards deeper understanding and appreciation for this myself, the world and beyond.

Definition of RITUAL:-

“a way of doing something in which the same actions are done in the same way every time.”

“a fixed set of actions and words…”

• - dictionary.cambridge.org

Rituals within my daily life from the moment I awake are:-

awakening

* as I stir from my nights sleep, I bring my attention to my breath. Noticing each breath and how the inhale and exhale of life affirming air moves, interacts within my whole being.

*I give thanks for the sleep I have received and for awaking.

*I give thanks for my sight, hearing, and my body being able to move (even when fatigued or having a period of time when my body is stiff and mobility has been compromised)

*I gently guide my intention and attention to each major midline chakra from the Earthstar checking in through colour breathing all the way up to the soulstar and causal chakras

*I offer time and space for my body to move, whilst still in bed, to stretch, twist, to contract and unfurl in readiness in rising out of bed and placing both feet on the floor.

*With both feet on the floor, I remind myself how I will to be e.g. clarity of mind, open hearted, compassionate and being of service.

*make my bed.

*lighting a candle within my minds eye, due to where I am living I am not permitted to have a naked flame - the advantage of this way is that I never have to blow it out when I leave the room!

shower, brush teeth and preparing to get dressed

*thanking the water for flowing and smiling with its aliveness

*being aware of the sensations when the water lands on my skin.

*thanking stresses, everyday dross, and attachments in their softening and flowing down the drain (in my understanding that once out of my energetic field this once stuck, slow energy transform into fluid divine energy)

*as I wash my body, I say hello to each part of by physical body and commune with them - including checking in with my internal organs - being aware of how each part is feeling/relating to the whole offers an opportunity for me to adjust my plans for the day. Alternatively to have a conversation asking if I have a commitment how we can work together to achieve it. This can look like, ensuring my wrists are wearing a light brace, or agreeing to have a seista or an early bed time. Oh as well as not having a coffee if my liver is a little sluggish, grumpy as it feels I am taking it for granted.

*with brushing my teeth, I have recently started brushing with my less dominate hand - try it! I end up chuckling out loud!

* rubbing oils into my skin, I give thanks to the oils and how they have arrived to me. With kindness I offer loving words and an open heart to my skin and body.(after decades of negativity towards myself) Thanking every part of me for what it has endured and how it supports and carries me into this moment and day.

Throughout the day, other rituals occur from making herbal teas, coffee, making nourishing foods along with preparing to offer sessions, helping my parents and being available to my son not forgetting cleaning!

Cleaning I actually thoroughly enjoy……. I shifted my perspective on cleaning when I was in my late twenties to one of reverence and honour. Reciting mantras, singing, dancing and cleaning with aromatherapy oils rather than a more commercial cleaning liquid. Also I introduced sound clearing into my cleaning rituals which over a month created a space within our home which felt loving, expansive yet gently holding.

I find myself remembering so many other rituals which I could share with you. My curiosity is now turned to YOU!

How does this land with you?

Do you have any rituals ? or are you encouraged to create some of your own?

You’re welcome to share your ways of being and how they may be aligned to this piece of sharing.

May your day be filled with ease, love and curiosity.

Loving kindess

Luciana x