Sunday, March 15, 2009

Do You Ritual?
















My friend CJ wakes up each morning, lights the candle on her table, say a short prayer and prepares for work. Before she leaves, she returns to the candle, ask for God to bless her day and everyone she encounters, blows out the candle and out she goes.


Another friend rises in the morning, makes a cup of tea, lights a candle, writes out her intentions for the day, expresses her deepest gratitude for all that she has and prepares for work.


My morning ritual is similar; it includes lighting a candle upon rising, a 20-30 minute meditation and walking my dog around our neighborhood twice each morning before leaving for work. However, there are times when my 30 minute meditation becomes 10 minutes or I walk my dog a few city blocks instead of around the neighborhood. But I try to make sure I take time because it's a part of me, and if I miss a day of ritual, my day is a bit off.


What are Rituals (an excerpt from our "Do You Ritual" e-book)
Ritual is a way to connect with something higher, whether it is your higher self or higher powers. They can be simple or complex, and every religion uses them in some form or another. Yet mentioning the word ‘ritual’ too many people causes them to instantly become wary, nervous or suspicious in some way. Many people feel that ritual equates with complex ceremonies, the wearing of robes, and the chanting of difficult verses that they must learn by heart, so the whole idea feels off-putting or intimidating or even boring. However, the daily practice of personal rituals is a very individualistic thing, and can be as simple a drinking a cup of tea upon rising each morning or a simple 10 minute meditation before bed. Rituals can be as plain, creative, peaceful, or stimulating, as you feel is necessary or beneficial for their intended purpose.

SoulConnection.org coaches are in the process of writing a series of e-books, one of which include "Do You Ritual." While working on this e-book, I began to wonder how others ritual. Let us know.


Be Well






5 comments:

  1. Great ritual!!! I start my day out lying in bed for 15 minutes saying a prayer for the World. For 8 hours I focus my attention on work. Once 3 o'clock sounds I'm off and my evening ritual starts with walking the dog, lighting candles, opening up my windows and letting my Chi flow throughout the house. Life is good...

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  2. Didn't realize that what I did each morning was considered a ritual. I wake up every single morning and light a candle for my family and friends with a prayer that they be kept safe. No one told me to do this, It just feels right. Thank you for the article.

    Jessica

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  3. I ritual before going on travel with my family. The night before, I light a candle for each family member and imagine the light surrounding us and keeping us safe.

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  4. I love your new book, web site, and blog. Congratulations.

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  5. My morning ritual varies. Sometimes I meditate and just listen. Or journal. Or read some inspirational/spiritual writing. Other times, I combine all of the above. Sometimes, I just let my soul cry.
    At night, I do a version of the above.

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