Most of us engage in countless routines daily. Simply put, routines are daily habits, something we do everyday to get out the door in the morning, to work on time and, to please those well meaning humans in our life with well meaning expectations of us etc.
Rituals are meaningful because you are putting mindfulness into practice. You're engaged in the process of a performing a ritual in a way that you aren't when you're performing a routine task.
Look at your typical day, do you have several simple daily routines that are supporting your health, such as brewing a cup of tea or coffee at the same time every day then sitting down to enjoy it and reflect? This is an example of a routine that would become even healthier if you turned it into ritual.
The biggest difference between a routine and a ritual is your intent. Not every routine must be a ritual, but every routine can become a ritual if your intention is to make it meaningful.
When you put mindfulness into everyday moments you are living in that moment, your are creating ritual and this improves your health!
Could your EO routines become EO rituals? Oh yes, remember, your intention changes everything. Living in a state of mindfulness reduces stress, reigns in fear and puts us in control, empowered. Mindless living robs us of joy and our power.
1. Each morning begin your day at home AND at work with a cleanse of the senses. I like to diffuse essential oils to wake up my senses, sharpen my mind and cleanse the air I breathe.
Right after I put my morning coffee on to brew, I fill the diffusers practicing mindfulness. Mindful of each step, I whisper a silent prayer of gratitude for these healing gifts of Nature that permeate me with their Light while I perceive being covered by an actual loving, protective Light, it's a powerful way to begin your day.
Camp Wander Immunity Impact, Airway, Align and LLP essential oil blends are crisp, bright choices for morning diffusing!
2. Daily essential oil usage isn't a thing for everyone but it is for me. It begins by moisturizing my skin with salves, serum or sprays, then on to oral health - 20 minutes of oil pulling. I strive for only natural ingredients on my skin - to be able to know and name each ingredient in my mind and envision the wellness benefits of each being pulled deeply into my body and bloodstream to nourish and repair.
3. Homeostasis - this is one of my daily mantras - to live in a state of homeostasis.
"Homeostasis can be defined as the stable state of an organism and of its internal environment; as the maintenance or regulation of the stable condition, or its equilibrium; or simply as the balance of bodily functions."
For this reason I created and use daily a special blend of essential oils with the intention to assist my body into this state of being. Equilibrium Homeostasis Blend with Copaiba, Frankincense, Clove Bud and Lime (a little carrier oil too) applied topically several times a day in ritual with mindfulness centers me in the seat of my soul. I also tend to diffuse this when I work for the same reasons - homeostasis ie: system balance, guidance and, to keep my vagal pathway clear of blockage - this nerve begins at the brain, branches at the base of the skull, travels down each side of the neck and cascades down to every organ. Learn more about Equilibrium
4. Sleep - our bodies time to unpack, heal and restore. This is a magnificent time to be mindful and practice ritual with the intent to rest your mind, to rest your digestive system (try abstaining from eating 3 hrs before you go to bed) and to restore and rebuild. In your new mindful state of being, consider turning off your WIFI router at night to help your body rest but also to renew mitochondria, a bacteria that powers every cell in your body. Trust me, you want healthy, normal mitochondria! Why the WIFI? Your router and wireless devices emit electromagnetic fields - turning off the cloud in your home at night is a simple, mindful step you take to help your body restore itself.
Sleep rituals - this can involve the whole family! Just before bedtime, mindfully massage your feet with a nutritious essential oil salve that contains blends of essential oils to help stabilize blood sugar allowing your body to relax and rest. Turn off the lights, get your room black if possible! Speaking of mitochondria, mitochondria senses light and will perform their night shift poorly if the environment is light at all - their performance is tied to your circadian rhythm. In a darkened room, envision your body relaxing, melting into your soft sheets and pillow, let go, let go, let go.
I have FOUR wonderful options and you can use them alone or layer with each other - learn more about each by clicking on their link!
Live Simply - Live Slow - Practice Mindful Ritual - Be the Change
