If you want your days to be organized, develop a routine. If you want your days to be meaningful, create rituals.
Remember way back in March 2020 when we were living our old way of life? Boy, that seems so long ago and like a different life time. New “mandatory” ways of living have disrupted many of our everyday rituals, but the silver lining to these new disruptions is discovering how everyday habits and routines can become a spiritual ritual to help us live a more healthy, joyful, and productive life.
Ritual is the passage way of the soul into the infinite.” - Algernon Blackwood
Spiritual rituals hold more meaning - they resonate with us - and allow us to step into the sacred. Rituals are made sacred by our intention to bring love and awareness to even simple daily tasks. The intentional act of bringing this consciousness to it allows us to turn inward and reflect. Setting an intention is a kind way to pave the way for the moment or for that day in order to create a shift in our life direction. Heart-centered intentions align with our values and help bring clarity and balance to our life.
“Rituals are the formulas by which harmony is restored.” - Terry Tempest Williams
So what are some ways to incorporate a spiritual ritual into our day or week? Ask yourself: What activities can be explored that mean something to me, that might bring me a deeper experience, that lifts my spirit. A few suggestions for you might be:
Hobbies - whether you have a hobby now (art, baking, gardening, sewing, knitting, photography, etc…) or you wish to explore a new one, a hobby can become a spiritual ritual. For me, expressive art has been the healthiest spiritual ritual that I practice. I get to play and create without judgement and it feeds my soul. If you feel intimidated by creativity, start by turning on a song that makes you want to move or sing. It’s that simple! Your soul will thank you.💜
Connecting with others - call or text a friend or family member just to say, “I’m thinking of you and hope you are doing well.” If you’re feeling creative, add a GIF.😀 Or feeling like you want to be fancy? Then send a free Paperless Post e-card. This can be an easy weekly spiritual ritual to incorporate - just add it to your calendar as a weekly “get to do”. Your soul will thank you.💜
Exercise - most of us are moving our bodies in some sort of exercise, but can you try feeling spiritually connected to your marvelous body that allows you to walk, run, do yoga, qi gong, tai chi, swim, spin, cycle etc. Connect with your body and your soul will thank you.💜
Affirmations - creating an affirmation for the day is a gentle reminder to yourself of the direction you want - that you you choose - to move in and become. Write it down in a special journal or say it out loud so you feel the affirming words. Most affirmations start with “I am” but you could try “I have” and you can always include “and” after them to add more clarity and purpose. For example, “ I am blessed to have family and friends in my life.” I have health and joy in my life.” Play with what feels right for you. Your soul will thank you.💜
Practice Gratitude - a gratitude ritual can be a lovely end of the day or end of week ritual to reflect on 1- 3 things you are grateful for. You might share this practice with your partner or children. It’s amazing how a sharing a compliment of gratitude with another brings joy to everyone. Create a gratitude journal. Your soul will thank you.💜
Relaxation - yes, that means doing something that feels like it is not a chore. It may be reading a novel, watching a movie, getting a pedicure, soaking in a bubble bath or drinking tea in silence as you look out a window. Chill out. Your soul will thank you.💜
“A daily ritual is a way of saying I’m voting for myself; I’m taking care of myself.”
- M. Hemingway
These are just a few suggestions, but the key is to keep it simple, inexpensive to free and to feel your heart get full thinking about doing it. That my dear is a true spiritual ritual that is worth making a habit.
I am so grateful to you for spending a few minutes reading my blog. I hope it nourished your soul.💜
Rebecca Zacarias -
Creative Life Coach and believer of living a Soul-Driven Life
Curiously Creative Founder, Creative Soul Care™
https://www.creativesoulcare.com