Reclaiming Rest and Ritual

I’ve been participating in an online course that’s run in a FB group. I’m usually not out there and now that I have been, I’m aghast at what people are posting. Very few thoughtfully written. Most are simply re-posts. My heart aches because I want people to be more discerning, to pause, to consider and to be kind. These are crazy times, no doubt. But there’s always a way through.

That way is shown to us through rest and ritual. While I admit to the impulse to shout and shake my fists, I know that the deeper, quieter work is infinitely more effective - and more soothing. 

What part does rest and ritual play in your life? It’s almost like a secret practice. It’s something we do for ourselves, by ourselves. No posted selfies, no brags on Insta.

But it matters. We must rest. And, we must have rituals.

This is how we live life being well-resourced. It’s counter-culture. Counter to the culture of stardom, over-consumption and what feels like at this point - madness. 

First rest.

How much rest is enough? You’ll feel it. A lightness, a clarity and a slight buzz in your being. Rest is your sacred birthright. Take a loving look at what is encroaching on your rest. Other people’s demands, your own sense of what you “should” do, a life of habits that need to be examined? Be a fierce protective mother here. Rest is your baby.

Craft, or refresh a bedtime ritual that supports deep rest. Sleep is sacred. Approach it with intention and care. Light a candle, apply oils, chant affirmations, sip a warm drink. 

This brings us to ritual.

What’s the difference between ritual and routine? Your attention and intention. We can bring ritual into how we do the dishes, the way we care for ourselves each morning, how we start our work day and how we approach our sacred sleep.

Rituals can be exquisitely simple or dramatically complex. When life is feeling complex, choose simple rituals.

Here’s a framework for simple rituals:

1. Intention - the Sanskrit word for this is Sankalpa: an idea formed in the heart. Why is this important to you? State it with love.
2. Invocation - calling in All That Is, your guides, the angels - whatever feels true for you.
3. Symbolic action - to bridge the physical with the non-physical. Light a candle, dab on some oils, chant a mantra, write and burn a note.
4. Affirmation - prayer, mantra, statement. Everything is vibration. Words vibrate your reality into being. This is where you cast the softly spoken magic spells (to throw in some Pink Floyd lyrics, if I may).
5. Embodiment - let it settle into your cells. This is how we inhabit the ritual. A simple hand gesture or physical movement will do. Samantha, on the 60s TV show Bewitched, twitched her nose. 
6. Acknowledge + Gratitude. Close the ritual with a knowing statement that “It is done” or, “So it is.” And, give thanks for the energy, the alignment of that energy and the ability and knowledge to do this ritual. It matters. 

Here’s an example of a simple bedtime ritual:

1. Deep, restorative sleep. Waking up full of energy and clarity.
2. I call upon my spirit guides, The Divine Mother Goddess and the angels of sweet sleeps to guide me quickly into deep, luxurious sleep.
3. Vetiver oil (great for sleep) on the tip of big toes, wrists and back of neck (with intention).
4. I am safe. I am loved. I am held. I release the day, and I welcome peace. I rest in light. I rise in joy.
5. Gentle self-massage, like giving yourself a hug. This can be just a few arm squeezes.
6. And so it is. I am grateful for this cozy safe space where I sleep deeply and wake up revived.

This will take a few minutes and will change the energy in which you fall asleep.

If you'd like support with rest and ritual in your life, I have a laser coaching session called the Just Right Next Step. It’s currently set up for business, but we can use this same session for something in your personal life too. They are deeply connected.

If you’re feeling lost, exhausted or scared, I can help you get clarity and take action on that just right next step to help you move toward better alignment on your own sacred path of life. 

Let’s reclaim rest and ritual as a secret rebellion.