Today Kat McNally’s Reverb prompt invites us to consider:
What tiny rituals: signal that your day is starting; help you ease into a creative project; give you closure from an intensive task; or mark other significant milestones in your day? What new rituals would you like to create in the new year?
I love this prompt. I work pretty intentionally and I love little rituals; my day is filled with them. But I also like tweaking things and inviting in new feel-good stuff, so my rituals tend to evolve and morph on a pretty regular basis.
However, my morning rituals are pretty focused. When I wake up the first thing I do is a bit of energetic work. Grounding and centering and conscious connecting with what I like to call the fullness of my being. And then I connect with my Council of Light – all those non-embodied beings who love and support me. Love that part! I set some very general intentions and call in the energy streams of what will support that – sort of like the energetic address I wish to be moving into. And then I’m ready to pop out of bed.
Before I head downstairs I always listen for what flower essence will most support me and take it; choose an essential oil or blend and anoint myself; and choose some piece(s) of jewelry that feel in alignment. At the top of the stairs I have a little altar set up on a windowsill. One of things always present on it is a tiny statute of Ganesh, the elephant-headed Hindu god, known as a god of wisdom and learning, beginnings, and remover of obstacles. I always think it’s a lovely thing to check in with him in the mornings, let him know what my intentions are so he can help clear the way.
Once I get downstairs the coffee maker gets turned on, and while waiting for it to brew I record my dreams. From the beginning of Spring until the end of October, Pete and I like to sit out on the front porch with our first cups of java. I love it for all kinds of reasons, and there’s actually something quite entertaining about it. Very few people sit on porches here – most have backyard decks or patios, but we’re also a very busy urban area so there are lots of people around. There’s something rather old-fashioned about porch sitting that delights me. And we get to people-watch as folks head off to work and school. Being a bit higher up at porch-level lends an air of surveying all that’s happening around us, and just to ensure the benevolence of our presence and bring additional joy to my heart, I like to blow bubbles out into the world every day. Because seriously, the world is definitely a better place with bubbles. It’s a fact.
And then the day can officially start – moving from the not-yet-on-the-clock time to something a bit more scheduled. I first check my calendar so I know what’s on tap; sort through the email; and then the day unfolds.
To ease into creative projects I like little rituals as well. I often use my auric sprays to transition into a new task – it helps me re-set my energy and focus. Depending on the project I may light a candle, or burn some incense, or just call in some creative energy and helpers. If I’m writing or drawing or journaling I like to write with my fingers on the paper, infusing it with my intentions and energy. If I talking to a client I have a little altar set up by my phone, so I light a candle and do some energetic work before we connect. I really like being clear about what energy I’m engaging and my intentions, and so rituals are delicious little ways for me to do that.
I’ve been working very consciously for this past year with a practice of five breaths (thanks Liz Lamoreux) – using it whenever I need to shift my energy; to be present in the now moment. Such a little thing – 5 breaths takes no significant time – and yet is more than enough time to shift things. Remind me to be more intentional, to send blessings to myself and others, to quiet my mind and unhook my emotions.
While I have lots of other little rituals, I think I’ll stop here. Maybe I’ll do an abecedarium of some of the others another time – you know I do love blogging abecedariums. But in the meantime, I’d love to hear about a favorite ritual of yours. Do tell.
Deborah I so appreciate your intentional rituals that bring light, love, and calming energies into your life. You articulate it all so well. I just posted my rituals but since I’ve written on that topic before, I wanted to approach it differently….Yet I still didn’t capture all that goes on in my head before I even get out of bed….Love your connection with Ganesh and affirming your plans as you pass by him on the way downstairs.
I’m really enjoying seeing how everyone is answering this prompt – what delightful peeks into our worlds!
These rituals sound splendid, especially the blowing bubbles ritual!! Love the idea of checking in with Ganesh to receive help in removing obstacles while working toward a goal – I have one or two Ganesh figures in my own home, so I just might have to add that ritual to my own morning practices. Thanks for the inspiration!
Oh how fun to know you have Ganesh in your home as well. I love these little peeks into each others lives!
What a fun, intentional morning ritual! Perhaps one day I can have something fleshed out like you do. I love the idea of blowing bubbles while sipping that morning coffee on the porch. Seems like a relaxation meditation. For now, my tea and I greet each day as they come, no matter how different each day may be.
Oh what a wonderful naming of my bubble ritual as a relaxation meditation – it is indeed. And a cup of tea to meet each morning with is a lovely thing. I’m so glad you stopped by Meredith – thank you.
Heavenly. I love how you outlined your rituals. I too love these peeks into everyone’s daily rituals. So refreshing and enlightening. I wish we could all sit around a table or a fire and chat with mugs of hot tea or coffee and share. This is just like that. Thank you, Deborah!
A gathering would be fun wouldn’t it?
Your morning ritual sounds delightful! What a great idea to check in with Ganesh with the intention of the day and request to remove all obstacles. And the bubbles, how FUN!!!
What do you after October when you said you stop sitting on the porch? Do you do something in the snow? 🙂
In winter I move my morning coffee ritual to a chair near the front windows where I can peek outside. And add not being freezy cold and snowed upon to my gratitude list. 🙂 Last year we had some of the most extreme cold temps recorded in our area and I went out a few times to blow bubbles because I had seen some cool videos about doing so when it’s so cold. And I did get a few wonderful ones, but no pictures. I’m sure I was hilarious to watch as I made my mad dashes in my efforts not to freeze myself.
I can see how your day becomes so much more intentional because of your rituals. I’d love to be able to take more time for myself in the mornings, but at the moment it all seems too crazy. I know my kids won’t be little forever and I don’t want to rush time, so for the moment I’m content with what I have.
I think that’s perfect Tat.
I like this prompt, too. I’d love to join you on your front porch. :))
I wake, take deep breaths on my cushion, and after, I sit on the back porch. It’s still dark so I look up and count my lucky stars as I listen to birds noisily awake. Sometimes I see the goofy gallant of an opossum in the backyard. Last week I saw 3 tiny raccoons with a mamma doing somersaults playfully. I’ve added another ritual: I write gratitudes and connect with any unsettling feelings or thoughts and write thanks for what it teaches or the discomfort when not yet knowing its message.
I enjoy your posts, Deborah. Many thanks.
Oh these are beautiful rituals – they fill my heart!
You are amazing Deborah. Truly. Your life is so inspiring to me. It’s lived with purpose and intention. Thank you for sharing this post – it’s just what I needed today.
Such kind words – thank you Kelly.