RITUAL: The secret to staying grounded and connected

We’ve experienced SO much change lately. Much of it positive, thankfully, yet I find it challenging to stay grounded amidst so much change and uncertainty. In the past several months, I’ve gone beyond my studies of yoga and am now learning the ways of indigenous tribes and my own ancient ancestors, as well as “alternative” modalities of energy work and healing.

What does all that have to do with design? Well, I’ve found that if I am not grounded, I am not able to focus on my work and feel quite disconnected from my creativity. But through ancient teachings,, I am learning ways to get grounded, to reconnect…and I’ve realized that ALL of these ways incorporate ritual.

Below are some suggested rituals for this time of year. The start of February marks the midway point between Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox. It has been long noted as the time of year when the first stirrings of spring occur. In the Celtic Pagan traditions, it was called Imbolc, which translates to “in the belly”, and celebrated the return of the sun and promise of new life. In the modern Western World, sacred traditions evolved into our (rather bizarre) Groundhog Day. There seems to be a universal sense of anticipation this time of year, an excitement and curiosity of what’s to come.

Photo: Anita Austvika

RITUALS

1) Clean: Yes. Even this can be a ritual. Put on some music and Marie Kondo your way through the closet/garage/yard etc. Spring cleaning creates calm where there was chaos, and leaves us with spaciousness. Possibility.

2) Purify: Cleanse your home with sage. Write down anything you’d like to let go of and burn it in a fire. Indulge in any purifying body rituals, such as a detoxifying bath, self massage or dry brushing. Perhaps try a seasonal food detox (this is 100% not medical advice, so obviously consult a doctor before doing so).

3) Observe: By foot or bike, leisurely wander and look for signs of spring. Here on the California coast, I always notice bright yellow flowers (Oxalis) popping up in the fields near our home, and baby nettle plants in wetter areas.

4) Grow: This is a perfect time to start planning your garden! This could be as simple as an indoor herb garden, ordering some seeds, or just daydreaming about what you’d like to grow.

5) Consider: What “seeds” or ideas are stirring within you that want to come forth? Connect with your inner desires and take time to plan how you might bring them to life in the months ahead.