This post is inspired by recent lockdown in Melbourne but of course relates to daily life in any situation. By mindfully taking time for positive actions in our day, we can have a lasting effect on our overall wellbeing. So here are 3 of my favourite rituals I would like to share with you in hopes that it can bring some light into your days too.
The first is a non-negotiable for me: get outside. It might only be for a short walk or visit to the beach, perhaps an outdoor yoga practice or meditation, you can even just bring your morning cuppa outside. Whatever it is, seeking out nature daily and taking the time to appreciate its magnificence is pivotal in our ability to see beauty in all things. There are so many lessons we can learn from nature, if we are simply open to observing.
The gratitude list. This is something I will often turn to when I need a tangible reminder of how much I have to be thankful for. It is so easy to get overwhelmed with all the things we don't have, and forget everything that we already are so lucky to experience. A humble reminder to take pleasure in the little things. This list can be as long or as short as serves you, but I like to work with between 5 and 10 items. Writing this list at the start of the day is a really positive way to start setting the mood for the day to come.
Move your body! It can be as fast or slow as you like. If you are working, try sitting in a different position or space just to mix things up. A change of perspective is as valuable as a different view all together. The restorative pose to the right is called Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) and is excellent for moving circulation through the body and getting fresh blood to the brain. Because at the end of the day that's what it's about: keeping things fresh. For more ways to move, visit the Class Library in the Services tab for a range of yoga classes you can do from the comfort of home.
In essence these actions are all very simple, but I can speak from experience when I say that the power they hold goes far beyond what meets the eye. Personalising each item to yourself and your day means you are able to constantly evolve and develop this practice.
The practice of Ritual is something I strongly believe in and have written an article about in the upcoming July edition of SLOW Journal - link below - if you would like to read more about the importance of setting rituals in your daily life.
Please comment below if you have any daily rituals that you have, and share this post with anyone who you think might need it.
With love,
Sophie x
@slow_journal