Illuminating Your Living With Ritual

Coming Back to the Present Moment
Any simple act conducted with deeper consciousness of your senses can move you away from the past or future and into full gratitude for the present. Here’s one: Be still and breathe. Hold your hands in front of you. Notice their perfectly designed shape. Notice the lines that have formed from years of fulfilling their function. Very lightly press your fingers together and pay attention to the warm brush of skin upon skin. Thank them for the profound power they give you to create and communicate. Your hands extend who you are into the world.

Celebrating Milestones
When you host a celebration for a loved one, like a birthday or an anniversary, ask each guest to write a note to the guest of honour. Have them record a special memory, or express a few thoughts as to how they appreciate the gifts they have received in their relationship. As a special ceremony in the event, have each guest present their thoughts and then place their card in a keepsake box. The guest of honour may then choose to share his/her appreciative sentiments in return. Heart energy will warm the room!

Enhancing Tradition
If you practice a particular faith, regular services and rites of passage are often grounded in traditional rituals. Ask yourself whether you have truly embraced the acts and words in your heart. If there is a more meaningful expression for your connection to the divine at this special time, give yourself permission to integrate it into your celebration.

Journeying Safely
Before you embark on any travel, use all your senses to connect with your safe arrival. See, hear and feel the surroundings of your destination. Connect with the well-being of your body and peace of mind. Then ask your guides to protect you. If you’re running late, don’t move away from balance with rushing. Simply ask for assistance to arrive on time, and so it shall be!

Acknowledging Universal Support
The universe guides us in many ways and one is through the synchronicity we experience. When you become aware of life’s connectedness, take the time to smile and silently express your appreciation to the divine for the chance to witness the magic of the universe as it brings you a blessing!

Mindful Cleansing
Each time you take a shower or bath, use it as an opportunity to mentally wash away worries and any heavy energy that is holding you back from fully experiencing the joy in your life. After drying off, drink in plenty of water—the elixir of renewal.

Transitioning
Are you having difficulty letting go and moving forward? Transfer the energy of what is holding you back onto paper through a drawing, painting, words or any creative effort. Or you may choose to blow the energy through your breath into an item that is symbolic of your challenge. With conscious intention, surrender and release the transporter of your pain—burn it, bury it, or tear it up. Feel it leave you. Then create anew.




Copyright 2004 MIND and SPIRIT All Rights Reserved.