RITUALS…

First, let me say, your rituals should bring you comfort.  We all have ordinary rituals we do the same time each day.  An example of this is your early morning activity upon rising.

Bedtime rituals are especially meaningful to children and bring comfort to them.  When we are in pain, we reach out to find solace in our rituals.  What are some of yours when you are in pain?

When I have neck pain, I reach for my heating pad, an old afghan I knitted a few years ago and my special pillow, my neck exercises along with mental imaging of a strong healthy neck.  This is my ritual to feel better when I suffer with neck pain.  Paula, a friend enjoys digging in her dirt.  After working in her garden, she knows has a bubble bath with scent, candle, and glass of wine waiting.  This, she looks forward to.

A funeral or memorial service is a ritual to bring solace and relief to the bereaved.  You may visit the grave of a loved one, once a week, or once a month, or on the anniversary of a death.  You may buy flowers at the same shop, or chat with your loved one about a problem you are having, maybe read a poem, or short story.

Read on for a few rituals you and others may enjoy.

Family time can be reassuring.

1.     Do you have family dinner the same time after church on Sunday?

2.     Morning coffee and chat with your spouse?

3.     Girls or guys night out each month?

4.     Date night has become popular among couples with children?

5.     Calling mom and dad every Sunday night?

Private time you depend on.

1.     A wellness day in bed once a month, and how do you prepare for this special time.  You do not have to be sick.

2.     Your nightly practice that lulls you to sleep.

3.     Meditation morning or evening.

4.     Your spa day once a month could include a manicure, pedicure, facial, and a body massage.

Take a moment and think about the actions you do with your rituals and how you can strengthen them for better support.  If they begin to feel heavy, change or remove them from your routine.

Hobbies are for pleasure, but rituals keep you going. –David Mitchell

Create soothing rituals for yourself and include other loved ones if possible.  Lastly, let me reiterate, your rituals should bring you comfort.

Please share one of your go to rituals for our blog readers.

Honor Yourself!