Self-care rituals: small acts and beliefs that provide support

Don't most of us do rituals every day? Activities that make our days and hours more special. I'm not referring to the daily tooth brushing ritual or the dishwashing ritual, which are more like part of our daily routine. However, these can also be considered rituals if you do them in your own way. A ritual is, by its very nature, an act of belief performed for a specific purpose. If you go to bed at the same time every night and do activities that promote better sleep, you can call it a bedtime ritual.

What gives a ritual value and power?

But I'm referring to those rituals that give meaning to the day, take you somewhere else for a moment, send a message to the world, slow down, and allow you to be present in the moment. There are simpler rituals, and a consecration accompanies some, but it is precisely being present in the moment that gives the ritual its main value.

For many of us, drinking coffee is one of these – yes, enjoying your morning coffee, so that your body and mind can quietly wake up and prepare for a new day, can very well be a ritual. Imagine you are sitting on a terrace, a sandy beach is in the distance, the sea is roaring, and the water is iridescent from the reflection of the sun. You breathe in a breath of fresh air and sip fresh coffee. You feel the air touching your cheeks, and the wonderful aroma of coffee fills your nostrils. Isn't it nice?

“For me, I have to admit that there have been times in my life when the best part of the day is drinking my morning coffee. Honestly, I have learned to enjoy this activity to the fullest. Today, it has become a ritual in itself. First, I prepare a hot shot with hot water, honey, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, ginger, and cinnamon. I mix it, inhale it. At the same time, the coffee brews, and I can start enjoying it. It is absolutely true that regardless of the weather, I drink my coffee outside.” - Caitlin

Of course, not all of us can experience our mornings in the way described above, but everyone certainly has their own ritual. I really like drinking coffee in the living room, sitting on the couch, and listening to my guinea pig crunching bell peppers and cabbage at the same time - absolute music to the ears, every morning. I will point out that the crunching sounds of rodents are very therapeutic, and it is completely different from the way a person eats an apple or a carrot. Which is why your human companion's dental work can still be a bit distracting over your morning coffee.

Greetings - how can they become a lovely ritual?

A greeting can also be a ritual. In this case, it is not just a passing greeting or a wave of the hand, it is something more. It is a greeting with meaning. Have you ever thought about how often we greet someone in passing and ask how they are doing without delving into the content and without really expecting an answer? How insignificant it is if it is just politeness.

Of course, politeness is nice, we were raised that way. But would we at least take a moment and think about it? Could the greeting be something heartfelt or a great piece of poetry that makes the greeting joyful, special for both parties, and so every day?

For example, a greeting when you arrive at a company: “Today is a great day, I see all my friends again,” or “Hello, hello, everyone!” Of course, you will not go to a big, important reception with such a greeting, but you can also find a suitable and unique greeting there that is just your calling card. Find good and kind words in yourself, add some nice zest, and you're done.

In old movies, you often see how men kissed a woman's hand or lifted their cap, which in turn was also a sign of respect. In any case, such behavior leaves a much deeper impression.

Tattoos as multi-level symbolism and meaning

Do you have a tattoo? If so, then it is probably important to you and carries the energy associated with it. In tattoos, we often use signs and symbolism. Each such symbol has its own power, just like a word. They even say that a tattoo can change fate, but it is probably more a matter of belief. However, there is some energy and power in the power of a tattoo.

I have a tattoo that symbolizes the bond between me and my daughter and her very important role in my life. Every time he has a big test or some other important event coming up, I look at this tattoo, pat it, and send my best wishes that the child has a good day and that everything goes smoothly. So far, it's worked.

How to use mantras in rituals?

This brings us to the point that mantras can also be used in rituals. I always have the same ritual when I'm anxious before an important event. You could even say that sometimes I get this sudden rush of catastrophizing. Then I just go outside for a while, take a deep breath in and out until my heart rate slows down. Then I ask myself, what's the worst thing that could happen?

This is a good question; it always makes my head spin, because we often overthink things. As the next step, I repeat to myself that everything will be fine, I can handle it, life has always taken care of me, and will take care of me this time too.

You can also add words of gratitude here as appropriate, and you can create your own gratitude ritual from it. Be grateful every day that you have been taken care of, that a new day greets you, that you have the honor of being here, in this life, in this moment, on this journey.

“For example, I use a gratitude ritual every night. Before I go to sleep, I hold my blue sandstone bracelet in my hand and thank the Universe in detail for everything awesome and positive that day. I especially thank you for the things I would like more of in my life. I also thank you for what wasn’t there – it gives me faith that it can still come if I continue to thank the Universe for it. In the practices of manifestation, they also say that it feels like you already have it.” - Caitlin

What is a self-care ritual?

Let’s also briefly look at self-care rituals. Although washing and moisturizing every night is taking care of yourself and can be a very pleasant ritual or, for some, an excessive routine, you can go further here, too.

For example, we go to the hairdresser or get a manicure and take time for ourselves to reward ourselves. But how about doing facial yoga every night? To do this, you can take a small pleasant moment in front of the mirror every night in a completely different form. To finish off your facial yoga, it would be nice to tell yourself in the mirror that you are beautiful and funny.

This last one is especially appreciated if you happen to make a few nice grimaces in front of the mirror. Laughter is good for your health, and there is nothing more awesome than giggling with and at yourself alone in the bathroom. No one is watching – a great moment with yourself.

Ritual between work and rest

For example, I have a completely separate ritual between work and rest. After a working day, I take a short nap. When I wake up, I open my eyes and stretch out, I look at my room, look out the window, inhale different smells with my nose, and try to listen to the sounds I hear around me. Only then do I get out of bed and am ready for the second half of the day, as if I had two days in one.

Mindfulness can be used in rituals

Mindfulness techniques can also be woven into a ritual. If it gets a little confusing, then mindfulness means being there, in the present moment, with all your senses. You take a moment, even a few minutes to start with, find an object to observe, and direct all your focus to it. For example, you look out the window and your gaze stops at a large tree. Look at this tree – what colors do you see? What are the leaves on this tree? Does it have any leaves at all? Is it small or big? Are the leaves moving in the wind? What feelings do you have? What thoughts arise?

Mindful eating ritual

Another good example for practicing and understanding mindfulness techniques is the food on your plate – What is it like? What is there? What colors do you see? What smells do you smell? Appreciate the taste too? It may seem strange, but one day you may discover that you now have your own special eating ritual.

Some rituals are often done with someone. A sauna ritual fits well into this category. Be it at your own home, at a friend's, or at a spa. The mist and aroma essence are always ready to cleanse the body and soul.

We can linger here, because many activities can be created into a ritual. So what are your rituals? Take a moment and stop for a minute. I'll stop too, I immediately remember a great ritual from my family.

Worrying Ritual – It’s Not What It Sounds Like

My twelve-year-old daughter, for example, has a worrying ritual. She’s been using it for several years. She sincerely believes that if she worries a lot the night before that there’s a difficult test the next day, then the next day will definitely be much easier.

Whether that’s true or not, it’s clear that if you think the night before that everything is going to go badly and very badly, but then how probable can it really be that the next day will be even worse? Most of the time, it still goes better, at least a little.

Ancient Rituals

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that great belief and power lie in magical and spiritual rituals from ancient times, which use, for example, crystals, plants, water, fire, candles, and incense. They are all tools for carrying out, for example, love rituals, home cleansing rituals, and also rituals for success or abundance. However, this is a topic that requires a completely separate approach and dedication, and information about it will soon be available on our website.

With love,
Gerly & Caitlin
Soul Sisters Tarot