Whether you identify yourself as a spiritual person or not, there is something enlightening about the practice of daily rituals. If you’re intrigued, the first question you should ask yourself is, ‘what do you want to accomplish with a daily ritual?’ Do you want to become more disciplined, mindful or spiritual ? If it’s self-control and discipline you’re looking for, your daily rituals will be closer to daily routines to establish a winning mindset at the start of each day. If you’re seeking mindfulness or greater spirituality, you may want to make meaningful daily spiritual rituals such as crystal meditation, full moon rituals, immersion in the natural world, or even shamanic rituals such as shamanic drumming ! Whatever you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered in this guide to daily rituals and spirituality.
How do you make daily rituals? It’s easier than you think to create daily rituals that enliven your body and mind. Here are three simple ways of incorporating rituals into your everyday life.
In the morning: ritual yoga Yoga is great for restoring your vitality, as the stretching and manipulating of muscles and joints helps energy to flow, and creates a deep spiritual connection with your body. Get ready for your spiritual awakening!
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“Yoga brings out your soft side and your strong side in a beautiful synergistic balance,” says Shakta Kaur Khalsa, author of Yoga for Women , “Every woman can benefit from a yoga spiritual practice. It makes you more powerfully flexible in body and mind, and radiant in health and spirit.” A simple yoga position you can try as a morning ritual at home is the ‘miracle bend’, where you slowly bend your body in half, and then slowly uncurl and stretch up on the tip of your toes.
A ritual for the daytime: practise stillness Spiritual development guru Richard Lawrence suggests this easy everyday ritual meditation whenever you feel stressed during your day-to-day life, and ready for some spiritual growth.
“According to a Taoist ideal: ‘To the mind that is still, the whole universe surrenders’. I have been amazed at what a difference it can make to spend some time every day in stillness, not just in body but also in mind. Try the following exercise:
1. Be seated on a hardback chair with your spine straight, your head tilted slightly back on the neck and the eyes closed. If there is any tension in the upper part of your body, you can remove this by gently moving the neck and shoulders to and fro, and allowing them to settle into a more relaxed position
2. Start to breathe as deeply as you can without any strain, being sure to keep the in-breath and the out-breath as equal as possible. If necessary, you can use a mental count to achieve this by ensuring that it is the same number for the in- and out-breaths. Yoga philosophy teaches that the deeper you breathe, the deeper you think, and that a balanced rhythm of in- and out-breaths helps to achieve self-control and inner harmony.”
An evening cleansing ritual A daily spiritual practice of pampering may seem like the obvious choice to nurture your feminine side, but ayurvedic spa therapies are one of the only treatments that addresses the whole body, focusing on your spiritual wellbeing, as well as the physical. These revitalising treatments include massages and oil rubs, which help to detoxify the body.
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Dr Deepa Apte, a top ayurvedic practitioner , says that one of the best times for ayurvedic self-massage for women is when their period begins, spiritually cleansing the body. He recommends applying warmed-up cold-pressed sesame seed oil to the whole body, including face and hair, and massaging for 10 minutes before getting into the shower, or enjoying a ritual bath with candles and soothing bubbles.
Everyday nature rituals Earthing ritual If you’ve ever wondered why taking off your shoes and stretching your toes amongst the soft grass feels so good, earthing could be an explanation. Earthing is the simple process of walking barefoot on soil, grass or sand in order to allow electrons to move freely between your body and the earth.
“Mother Earth is a bit like a big battery with a subtle electric charge, and everything in the whole world is grounded to her,” explains Yolandi Boshoff , soul coach and business mentor. “She has an infinite supply of electrons, and these are constantly recharged by the sun, lightning and the orbit of the earth.”
The idea is that this electrical charge helps to rid our bodies of free radicals. The trouble is, we don’t spend much time barefoot on the land anymore, so we are missing out on this process.
Earthing comes with a whole host of wellbeing benefits, from regulating our cortisol and blood sugar levels, to easing chronic pain and aiding sleep. As well as this, spending time in nature enhances your mood, and reduces stress and anxiety. “You will feel more grounded and centred, able to focus on the tasks at hand and tackle problems with more clarity and calm,” adds Yolandi.
Try it: Yolandi recommends trying to earth yourself for at least 30 to 40 minutes a day. If you are unable to get outside to a patch of grass, sand or soil with your bare feet, you can try using earthing sleep mats, foot mats, wristbands and more.
Forest bathing We all know the benefits of walking in nature. Forest bathing or ‘shinrin-yoku’ combines mindfulness techniques with the therapeutic energy of the forest to create a wellbeing experience that can leave you feeling calm and refreshed. It’s so popular in Japan, it’s now one of the cornerstones of Japanese healthcare: it’s proper spiritual healing!
Try it: Forest Holidays are now offering all guided forest bathing sessions free of charge to all. These sessions are available at Blackwood Forest and Forest of the Dean locations.
Stargazing Stargazing can leave you pretty awestruck, but recent research has shown that exposure to the night sky can actually lower stress and promote a positive mood.
“Stargazing is a profound act of meditation, soothing anxiety at the deepest level,” says author and keen stargazer Jane Alexander . “Everyone’s experience is different, but for me, it puts my problems in perspective – it’s about connecting with something way bigger than me as part of a sacred ritual.
“We’re all living on this tiny green and blue spinning globe in an infinite vastness – our divisions are insane when we look at it from the perspective of the wider universe. It focuses on how Earth is our home, but also reminds us that we are literally made from stardust, so the whole universe is our wider home.”
So what do you need to get started? According to Jane, just your eyes and a clear night sky. “You don’t necessarily need to know anything about astronomy, but if you start to stargaze regularly, you may notice familiar constellations and become intrigued to discover more.”
Sadly, few of us can now truly stargaze as a daily practice from our back gardens because of light pollution. So for the true stargazing spiritual guidance experience, you may need to head away from civilisation on a cloud-free night to find inner peace.
Try it: Jane recommends Vitality Retreat up in the far north of Scotland, where you may even catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Wild swimming Wild swimming is simply the term used to describe swimming in an outdoor natural body of water. Take a dip in the sea, a lake, or a river and you’re wild swimming. It sounds chilly, especially in the UK, but the effects of swimming in cold water on the body are good; it actually gives you a natural high, activating your feel-good hormones, endorphins.
According to Laura Bell, founder of The Zest Life Retreats , the colder you get, the bigger the high. “It improves your circulation and immune system, and also helps to alleviate stress.” “Overall, it can be an exhilarating experience, where you’ll feel refreshed and rejuvenated.”
If you’d like to give it a try, head for somewhere that has easy access to the water and is safe. You don’t need to be a particularly strong swimmer to give wild swimming a try, but as with anything, you need to be vigilant.
Care must always be taken when entering open bodies of water. It’s safer to go with someone and, of course, don’t enter deep water unless you can swim.
Try it: The Zest Life in North Wales will take care of and deliver everything you need for a luxury wild swimming retreat experience.
The benefits of nature rituals Have you ever noticed how a romp through some leafy woods can lift your spirits? Or how a walk along the beach can leave you feeling fresh and new again? Living close to nature and spending time outside has been proven to have significant and wide-ranging health benefits.
And according to new research, these benefits run far deeper than blowing away the cobwebs. Exposure to green space reduces the risk of type two diabetes and heart disease, among others, and can reduce stress naturally and lower high blood pressure.
Whether with friends, family or simply on your own to escape from the rat race, the benefits of spending time in nature are many. Here are just a few reasons to get into the great outdoors.
Working out gets easier Ever wondered why you seem to have so much more energy, say, hill walking, than you do in the gym on a treadmill?
A study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Fresh air is nature’s ritalin Those of us who have children know that hyperactivity can be a big issue for so many families. However, outdoor play could well be a viable alternative to medication if a recent study is to be believed.
Research from the University of Illinois found that exposing children to the natural world and doing outside activities was ‘widely effective” in reducing the symptoms of ADHD.
It actually makes you nicer! A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin
In fact, researchers Weinstein, Przybylski and Ryan even found that subjects were more generous when giving money to others after spending some time in the great outdoors.
Even the view is good for you Certain parts of our brain that control happiness and emotional stability are stimulated by vistas of mountains, woodland and other areas of natural beauty. A study by Chonnam National University found subjects who looked at natural views had heightened activity in parts of the brain associated with positive thinking and positive memories.
How can you have a strong spiritual life? Have a think – how do you experience and express spirituality in your life? How can you be more spiritual? Are you always making excuses for not being fitter, more healthy, and more spiritual? Becoming a spiritual person, more spiritually-minded, or living a spiritual lifestyle is easier than you think.
Do you find yourself making excuses for why you can’t give up that daily coffee or after-work glass of wine? Are you always saying that you’ll go to that yoga class, but never get round to it? We all want to be fit and healthy, but despite our best intentions, our goals often get forgotten as everyday life gets in the way.
Whether it’s work pressures, family commitments or a lack of motivation, many of us find ourselves making excuses for our bad habits or less-than-healthy lifestyles. However, with a bit of effort you can break this pattern. Here our holistic health experts offer some tips on how to tackle those excuses and start afresh with some new healthy habits!
An easy spiritual yoga ritual for better exercise “I would do more exercise but with work and looking after the kids I just don’t have the time…”
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“Yoga is the perfect solution if you find you are too busy to get to the gym or a class, as you can practise it any time,” says Katie Mutton of Yoga Team . “Give yourself 15 minutes each day to stretch and breathe well, and your body will become stronger, while your flexibility and mobility will increase.
Choose a time that works for you, and try to stick to this. Extended periods of sitting can lead to muscular shortening, tightening and weakening, so you want stretching a little each day to become as routine as brushing your teeth.
Leave your yoga mat out if you know that you are a morning person and could get up an extra 15 minutes before work; or perhaps you could enjoy 10 minutes whilst dinner is in the oven. Gradually introduce this into your schedule, and eventually extend each session to 30 minutes.
Use your own body as resistance to develop strength: try weight-bearing poses such as plank, downward facing dog or standing poses such as triangle, or some warrior poses. These poses work to maintain and build bone density, whilst strengthening small and large muscle groups. Try a simple flow between downward facing dog and plank. This builds strength in the shoulders, upper arms, legs and core, whilst simultaneously stretching the spine, arms and legs.”
A morning hydration ritual “I just can’t give up caffeine – I can’t wake up properly in the morning without it…”
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“The paradox is that although caffeine is a stimulant, it actually drains the adrenal glands, so you feel exhausted,” explains naturopath Louisa Roscoe . “Rehydration on waking is essential; try a fresh glass of water with half a lemon or lime to alkalise and energise. Showering and alternating between hot and cold stimulates the lymph and boosts the circulation, and use a peppermint wash for a great morning wake-up.
Enjoy herbal teas such as ginger, nettle and spearmint, or try roasted dandelion root. When brewed properly, it looks and tastes just like coffee, but it’s rich in vitamins and minerals. Its bitter flavour helps to stimulate the digestive system, while cleansing and absorbing nutrients.”
A soothing ritual bath “Work stresses me out so much that I need a glass of wine to unwind in the evening…”
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“One glass can lead to two or more, and that ‘end of the working day drink’ can soon become a habit,” warns holistic therapist Annie Aulds. “The best way to break a habit is by rewarding yourself, and there is no better reward than one that doubles up as a distraction, as well as a stress reliever. When you get home, run a warm bath and add some essential oils. Lavender is a great stress reliever.”
Spiritual meditation “I would meditate more often, but I can’t stop my mind from wandering…”
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Gary Heads , a director of Living Mindfully, based in Consett, County Durham, says: “A mistake often made in meditation is to somehow think that we can clear our head or stop the flow of thoughts. It is the nature of the mind to wander – this is what minds do. It is therefore unhelpful in meditation to beat ourselves up for not staying with the breath or any other chosen technique we may be using.
It’s often said that training the mind is like training a puppy to sit. It keeps wandering away, but we keep bringing it back with a smile and an attitude of kindness and encouragement. This is the attitude we can bring to ourselves. There are many methods used to develop concentration in meditation, including counting your breaths: count from one to 10, and then from 10 back to one, and when you lose count, begin again.
You can also mentally note your thoughts as they arise. For example, ‘work’ or ‘food’, or you could simply use the word ‘thinking’. You could even use a mantra in time with your breath. Above all else, be kind and compassionate when you notice the mind has wandered.”
What are some spiritual rituals? Moon rituals The cycles of the moon affect the earth and all living things. It’s one of the ultimate spiritual symbols, with new moon rituals proving increasingly popular. A full moon’s spiritual meaning is often suggested as a call for balance. The Moon is also linked to goddess energy, and through living by the cycles of the moon we’re connecting with the true source of feminine energy, Mother Nature.
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This connection to nature can be achieved by doing something as simple as taking a walk in the woods or park, being silent for a moment, and taking a few deep breaths. “Anyone who feels drained from life’s demands can often feel run down and zapped of energy,” says Lady Springwolf of PagansPath.com . “Taking time to connect to the moon can help restore some of that energy.”
Spiritual mantras Using our voices as a way of expression and creative release is a common practice among both men and women. A popular method is chanting. These are often prayers by spiritual people or Sanskrit mantras, and they are primarily used to connect with the feminine energy and restore its strength. These mantras are just one example of healing practices used throughout the world . In the East, where these mantras originate from, feminine energy is referred to as the ‘primal power’ or ‘Shakti’, and is said to flow through our bodies and all of nature.
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This feminine power can be used to manifest abundance, summon protection and create wellbeing. “Women can increase their ‘wattage’ through Sanskrit mantra,” says Thomas Ashley-Farrand, author of Healing Mantras . “For instance, a mantra for increased abundance is: ‘Om Shrim Maha Lakshmiyea Namaha’, and for protection, ‘Om Dum Durgayea Namaha’.”
Healing crystals Crystals are stones that are found in nature, and are believed to hold particular healing attributes. There are a number of different types of spiritual crystals, all with their own unique healing abilities for the body, mind and soul. Meditate in their presence and see how much better you feel.
Crystal healing refers to the use of these crystals for a range of benefits. “Each crystal has its own vibration and the ability to focus, store, transmit and transform energy,” says Caroline Britton , emotional and intuitive life coach and spiritual healer. Here are Caroline’s top five crystals for self-care.
Rose Quartz – this gentle, pretty pink stone is excellent for self-love, compassion and allowing yourself to receive all the love that you want in the world. It is often called the stone of love and is linked to the heart chakra, helping to open you up on an emotional level and allowing you to heal whatever needs healing. It’s perfect for all aspects of love.
Amethyst – a beautiful and calming crystal, it’s incredibly effective at easing your mind. If you have a busy head or suffer from anxiety, this is a really excellent crystal for getting you out of your head, slowing down and soothing the mind and emotions.
Clear quartz – I call this the super-charger crystal, as it’s incredibly powerful and helps to amplify energy. It is energising and balancing for your mind, spirit and body. It is also very protective, helping to protect against negativity and relieve pain. It is a really great all-rounder.
Selenite wand – a lovely crystal that is excellent for purifying energy, and for protecting your aura. It helps to keep you positive and clear away any negative energy that you’ve picked up from people or objects – it’s like giving your aura a spring clean.
Black obsidian – a powerful stone for absorbing negativity, it’s incredibly powerful to use when you feel like you have lots of negativity around you. It is also a really protective stone; it essentially mops up the negative energy from all around you.
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