Daily Rituals of Peace

RITUALS START WITH ROUTINES. ROUTINES ARE WHAT GROUND US AND CENTRE US – THEY HELP US CREATE STABILITY AND PREDICTABILITY FOR OUR MINDS. MINDFULLY CREATING YOUR OWN PERSONAL ROUTINES CAN HELP YOU FIND MOMENTS OF CALM.

- Nilakshi Sharma

Daily rituals are like little notes to the Self. When we can start the day on a note that offers us what we need – calm or delight or joy or even a can-do energy, we are nourishing and nurturing ourselves, we are laying the groundwork for a better day, a better week and a better year. These rituals with which we end our day are equally important because when we can calm our minds and slip into restful sleep; we are allowing our bodies and minds to rest and repair.

Awaken with Awareness

We rarely think of waking up and starting the day in terms of rituals. When in fact, this time consists of some of our most deeply ingrained habits - what we call our morning routines.

For a start, don’t jump out of bed as soon as your eyes open. Instead make it a moment of peace – allow all your senses to awaken fully and slowly. Sit up and then check which nostril your breath is flowing freely out of; this simple act allows you to consciously connect with your body. This small awareness practice is also a good foundation for a breath awareness and breath meditation practice later.

To give yourself and body time to awaken fully, consider incorporating a very old tradition which is also a very new age tradition – a small prayer or acknowledgement of Mother Earth. You can and should create your own. It can be the joy of starting a new day or the grace of waking up from a good night’s rest. You can look at your cupped palms and centre yourself in your own body. Choose what comes naturally to you but it should be something that allows you to centre and gather yourself. And begin the day on a note that grounds you and calms you.

Smell The Roses