I use to collect heart rocks. I found them at the beach, in the woods, in random locations and I would bring them home and keep them in a big jar or place a few special ones on my altar. They were a symbol of hope and a message of love. My first blog back in 2008 was even inspired by heart rocks—HeartWriter. Then three years ago I decided to release my rock collection as they were no longer a source of inspiration or calling my name. I gathered them up and brought them to the beach. I created a little ceremony picking up each rock one at a time and thanking it in gratitude for the blessing it had been to me before I tossed it into the water. For some of the rocks I said a silent prayer for a loved one or friend—a blessing of light for those in need of some loving vibes.

This week I had the honor and joy of appearing as a guest on GenXoomers YouTube channel . Sharon and Julie have been talking about having me on to speak about rituals since I appeared on their first show this past July. These two best friends wanted to create a show with the intention of fostering meaningful conversation and connection for women and this particular episode focuses on ritual. As we connected virtually, I lit a couple of candles, poured my tea and we got to talking about the rituals in each of our lives and the importance of them during a pandemic.

Rituals are different than routine in that they create an opening to go deep, a sacred container for connection and blessing. A routine is something you do, taking care of things that need to happen and how you go about it. And absolutely this leaves room for creating meaning even in the mundane. Allow me to elaborate.

The ordinary tasks of washing the dishes, walking my dog, writing, doing physical therapy exercises and dinner with my family over time have their own unique ritual component. When I wash the dishes as the sink fills up with water, I choose music that my spirit is craving—this can be anything from country, to classic rock, from Dean to Davis, or this time of year the Nutcracker or the soundtrack to Elf. On our dog walk, Buford knows exactly where to pull his leash as we end up at the neighborhood “prayer spot”. A look out with views of the Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains invites pause and reflection—this is where I metaphorically toss my worries to the water and give thanks. When it’s time to sit down and write, I first open up my Encyclopedia of Angels and even though I choose randomly the message is never random. When I am stuck with how to string words together, I put my God rock in my lap. (A rock the size of a small potato covered with purple paint and “God” painted in light blue.) Every morning after my meditation, choosing anchor words, reading something inspiring and brewing a pot of tea I head to the family room for my physical therapy exercises. I have turned this tedious task into time to pray for others or send blessings of gratitude. Each finger or toe is one second and one person, that’s how I keep track and get in my designated time—one minute or my count of thirty reps.

 

How to create ritual in your life:

• Start small and simple
• Pick a time of day and show up to it regularly
• Make it transportable, something you can do anywhere, any time (in the shower or on the bus)
• Ask, what feeds you? Feeds you emotionally and spiritually in particular
• Begin or end day with ritual or my fav, book end your day—gratitude ritual first thing when you wake up and last thing before bedtime
• Create an altar space that visually calls you (office, window sill, bedside)
• Borrow from other traditions, with a reverence and care weave in the pieces that call you
• Besides for grounding and prayerful connection you can create a ritual for anything: walking, writing, eating, bathing, exercise (pulling a card, lighting a candle, burning incense, singing gratitude)

 

Ideas for Inspiration:

Rituals are not about the stuff but the mindset—some items that can assist in your own ritual creation.

• Essential oils – Use Reiki and dab some oils on your chakras.
• Candle – Light a candle for a meal, prayer, a conversation and make any action holy with an intentional flame.
• Divination or Inspirational Card Deck
• Anchored Deck
• Stones – Put one in your pocket and during the day when your hand goes into your pocket be reminded of your Anchored Word of the Day or send a blessing of gratitude out into the world.
• Gratitude jar or journal – Write down every day at least one thing you appreciate.
• In the bath or shower use water as a way to ground – this is where I speak out my worries and watch them wash down the drain.

 

Why ritual is important during a pandemic:

• No one can take it from you or cancel it (when it’s small or transportable it can happen anywhere, anytime)
• It is something you can offer or share with another (even over Zoom)
• Structure can help you thrive
• Adds purpose and meaning to your day
• Helps to ground
• Creates connection to the Sacred

 

How to honor ritual in a mask and back six feet from your loved ones this holiday season:

• Over FaceTime or your favorite free video app share favorite Christmas songs and create a signature cocktail and toast each other
• Send out handmade cards
• Participate in a virtual church service
• Bundle up, bring your own hot cocoa and visit in front yard

 

Rituals are an often asked for topic with my life coaching clients. They want to created grounding, purpose and meaning in their lives, and ritual offers that. It will only make sense if it is organically created by you and when practiced regularly it can bring about connection and meaning you never imagined.

Embrace a daily ritual that feeds and fuels your soul.  May it be the oxygen for your spirit and quench the thirst of your heart.

Sending you blessings of a magical holiday season. May you discover joy and peace in unearthed rituals of the past or new spontaneously created ones of the present.

Cheers, Jenny