R
ather than drawing up the
usuallistofresolutions,this
new year you could start to
buildsomesimplerituals
into your day. A ritual
doesn’t have to be religious
or involve an altar of crystals or
complicated ingredients, it is simply a
moment in which you pause, pay attention
and set an intention. You might already be
thinking you don’t have time, but the
simplest way is to link it to something you
do already. Can you close your eyes and
focus on your breath for the time it takes
the kettle to boil?
Can you add a drop of
lavender essential oil
to your moisturiser
at night to help you
sleep? Think of it
as a way of making
ordinary things
special and special
things extra special.
A ritual should
give you a sense
of ease and space
in your life. It
shouldn’t feel likeanother chore on your to-do list or
something that has to be done a certain
way.It’sbesttofindandcreatetherituals
that resonate with you and what you need.
Here are a few ideas that people find
helpful at this time of year, and during
any times of change.MORNING CANDLE RITUAL
This is a lovely ritual to perform on dark
winter mornings.
Rather than switching on lights as soon
as you wake up, maintain the winter
darkness for a little longer and reach for
some candles. Spend the first 20 minutes
ofyourdayinthewarmglowof
candlelight. You can sit quietly, or make
a cup of tea, or just potter around the
house. Feel how the candlelight allows
you to transition slowly into your day.
We so often race from moment to
moment, forgetting that transitions
also deserve our attention and our
respect. Taking time to honour this space
will set the tone for how you tackle the
day ahead. If you have children or other
people in the house that might disturb
you,trygettingup20minutesearlier
toallowyourselfthistime.Everyday pauses
MAKING TIME FOR SIMPLE RITUALS CAN HELP TO BRING
A NEW SENSE OF CALM AND PURPOSE TO YOUR LIFEWords:NADIA NARAIN & KATIA NARAIN PHILLIPSPHOTOGRAPHY: ISSY CROCKERTHINK (^) | WELLBEING