In meetings I’ve had the first few weeks of this year I’ve heard, “oh work, yeah, just drinking from a fire hose over here,” more than I’m comfortable with. Things are spewing towards them too fast to even absorb or respond coherently to.
And then there’s the state of the world. When you read this in February I’m sure even more will have changed.
I’ve also heard something from clients that is the antidote to the above: “my simple rituals are really helping me anchor no matter what is going on around me.”
In today’s society ritual can often be downplayed as we scroll our phones and rush to and from prioritizing any action rather than just aligned action. Busyness is viewed as a badge of honor. People claim they don’t have time for ritual, etc.
What we don’t realize is that our ancestors had it right all along, ritual regulates our nervous system and anchors us into a sense of safety. Really good things come from a place of safety as our body is relaxed, our gaze can see details we might miss otherwise, and our brain is more open to out-of-the-box solutions rather than just trying to survive. We connect more authentically and vulnerably with our communities, hear our intuition with greater accuracy – and act on it, and lead with love rather than judgment.
As I’m writing I can’t help but think this is exactly what the world needs right now.
Ritual doesn’t need to be long. Energy can shift quickly..
Your nervous system can regulate in just a few heartbeats with a few slow deep breaths, a brief moment of gratitude, or sensing back into your body. Ritual does need to be consistent and aligned with you. Please don’t do hour long meditations because someone told you but everytime it feels heavy and wrong.
As the world seems to be getting even more chaotic, here are my favorite simple rituals you can turn to time and time again.
• Close your eyes and breath slowly in and out at least four times, feel your body as it relaxes
• Set a timer for 3 minutes and journal
• HUG, seriously hugs are so underrated
• Hold a warm mug in your hands, and allow yourself a few seconds to savor the scent, the feel, and the flavors
• Prior to preparing a meal intend to connect with the ingredients with gratitude for the delicious nurturing flavor
Even as I sit here and write this for you, I’ve intended to create through me what you need most. It’s a simple ritual of safety that helps me trust the writing I’m guided to share. I’d love to know, what’s your go-to ritual? [email protected].
