It’s very nourishing to make nurturing rituals for yourself. Often when change comes we can feel it. You may not be sure what the change is or what to do about it. It’s usually during this time, you need to nurture yourself the most. This includes not over committing to other people. Allow yourself to cocoon and go internal when you need to. Create a list to nurture yourself. A Luscious List that will inspire with you with daily habits to nurture yourself without calling up masculine “do” energy and willpower.
Here are a few of my favorite rituals that help me relax, enjoy my body and melt into sacred space. A sparkly swim, a delicious bubble bath, inspirational reading, witnessing a sunset, listening to music, practicing yin yoga, cooking a warm meal, writing in my journal, creating a Goddess altar, putting fresh flowers in a vase. I have collected my top 6 self-love rituals during the month of love and hope they inspire you to nourish and adore yourself!
1. Cocoon
Sometimes we need to retreat from the outer world and fill our inner world with relaxation and safety. Less noise. More soul. When you feel frazzled, frustrated or irritated, this is a perfect time to envelop or surround yourself in a protective or comforting way. Retreat from the stressful conditions of public life into the cozy private world of your sacred sanctuary. Light incense and circle it around your body. Light a candle. Touch the flame over your third-eye. Play soothing music. Spend the whole day being, doing nothing. Cook yourself a heart-warming meal. Frame your favorite photo of friends and family. Bring out your crayons and your playful inner child and color. Relax on your sofa and wrap yourself in a warm blanket. If its summer or warm outside, wrap yourself in silk after a refreshing shower, make some hibiscus tea with ice, a slice of lemon and fresh mint leaves. Listen to sumptuous sounds, ambient music, the lapping waves of the ocean in soft, guided meditations that melt you into your body. Soothe yourself. You deserve it.
2. Inspirational Reading
Nourish and lavish with beautiful words of inspiration, warmth and encouragement. I love the poetry of Mary Oliver and the deeply, rich visual images of Diane Frank. My favorite poetry collections from Diane, who is also my poetry mentor, are Isis, The Winter Life of Shooting Stars, Rhododendron Shedding Its Skin and Swan Light. Both these visionary women have light, feminine voices with deep, delicious wisdom. Let them wisp you away to their magical landscapes where you can get lost, wonder and wander.
3. The Desire Ceremony
Create a sacred space. First, prepare like a Goddess. Bathe with luscious oils and gorgeous smelling body wash or taking a bubble bath. Emerge from your senses and wrap a silk robe around. Go to your dresser or small table and create a Goddess altar. Place a silk scarf or sarong on the surface of the table. Place fresh-cut red and pink flowers. Red and pink represent passion and desire. Then place a statue or photo of your favorite Goddess on the altar. Turn on some inspiring music form a sound track. I love the music from Braveheart and Enya’s Orinoco Flow. Spray perfume on your skin and richly smooth it over with rose, lavender or jasmine lotion. Get yourself a warm cup of tea if you are doing this in the morning or a sensual glass of wine for evening time. Start writing in a fresh, newly opened journal. Begin your sacred self-discovery and exploration. You have opened the door. Go, walk gently. Discover the magic of your desires.
4. Journal, Connect and Reflect
I love this activity! Journal about your deepest longings and desires. Write down all the possibilities. Buy a tarot deck and do a reading for yourself. Feel into the images that resonate with you and feel right to you. Draw and sketch the beauty that surrounds you. Take long meditative walks in nature or spend time meditating on your desires. In other words, connect with yourself.
Journal on the topic, “My Life, My Creation”. Many of us have had the attitude that life is something that happens to us and that all we can do is make the best of it. This is a victim’s position, giving power to people and things outside of ourselves. When we realize that the power rests in us, that we can choose to create our life the way we want it to be. This is the power of DESIRE. And the best way to experience this power is feeling your way through it. Fall in love with the passion, the vision, and the beauty of your goal. As yourself the 3 most important questions:
What do I want to EXPERIENCE? How do I want to GROW? What do I want to CONTRIBUTE? This journalizing exercise will change the way you plan your life and see your goals. It’ll change the way you see your career, mission, and life purpose unfolding. Answer these 3 questions, and you’ve come up with the most powerful framework of setting goals for your life.
5. Create a Goddess Altar
I love this ritual. I love to honor the sacred feminine energy flowing through my body and the world by bowing to it every morning and every afternoon. These are ancient Vedic rituals called Anjali and Arati. If you have a dresser or a small table, you can clean it first with a soft towel and soap. Then spray it with rose water or swirl incense smoke over it to cleanse and bless the space. Next, lay a scarf, sarong or silk cloth on the surface. Buy a statue of a Goddess who resonate with or frame her picture. You can buy photos on Etsy or simply go to Google images and print out a color copy. Place a white candle votive and incense holder. I love Nag Champa. Put some jewelry on your altar that is precious to you and ask for inner beauty. Put some cash and coins in a little bowl and ask for blessings of wealth and prosperity. Finally, you can put fresh flowers in a vase, a glass of water, and fruit as your first offering to the Goddess. Remember, she is you. You too, are a Goddess. Honor yourself.
6. Make a Luscious List
Appreciation is also super important. It’s about getting your joy and love vitamins! And we are the ones who can know what truly makes us feel joyful and loved. In your journal, write down all the things you love and appreciate about yourself every day for 21 days or as long as you want. You’ll feel yummy and delicious!
I like myself because _________________________
The thing I do best is _________________________
My best quality is __________________________
My special talent is __________________________
I feel proud when __________________________
The most important thing to know about me is __________________________
What makes me unique is __________________________
Thee thing I like best about myself is __________________________
Thee Universe loves me because ________________________
If I was introduced to someone now, the #rst great thing they would notice about me is __________
I hope you enjoyed these tips on bringing more self-love, beauty and sacred ritual into your life this month. As you probably guessed by now, it’s all about surrendering to the flow, letting go, tuning in and going slow. Stay tuned for more tips during the month of love!
