Self Care Rituals
Rituals exist as long as we have had the elements of this earth such as water, fire, & human existence.
While most communities operate as a collective consciousness by sharing cultures, languages, foods, and spiritual practices…
The self is important to take care of regardless of your geolocation.
While indigenous, black, & brown bodies are primarily in service to others not always by choice with the turning point of the transatlantic slave trade & modern day slavery which continues to profit under the guise of capitalism…
It is essential to practice revolution with our bodies.
Our bodies who exist beyond technology, beyond the likes, reposts, & daily grind.
So how can you initiate ritual into your daily routine?
You can start by observing your week with all of it’s dynamics, Monday’s may start your week slow or fast or depending on how you exist in the world and so on…
Begin to step back from the anxiety, pressure to succeed, and take a look at your needs.
Remember you can hardly take one step forward without tending to your most basic necessities such as sleep, movement, & nutrition.
I will focus on 2 which have the power to create or destroy.
Water: Essential to our planet & our body.
It has been used throughout the world in many cultures to cleanse the spirit & to be one with the creator, to be fluid.
Without water you will notice your senses unbalanced.
Fire: They say never play with fire, but mastery never came without making mistakes…
In non industrial areas & beyond, fire is a source of light, tool for cooking, & even composting through combustion.
Take a moment to discover your favorite senses & let your worries melt away in candles, or even cook your favorite meal using high heat to gather your senses to the present moment.
Now: I encourage you to observe your surroundings & look for the elements in your daily life…
Ask yourself, are they polluted or pure?
What can I do to bring my body, soul, and community closer to this element? How have we transformed this element?
Don’t miss this self care ritual:
Cleaning will instantly brighten & detox an environment. Bring nature & cultural appreciation into your home using indigenous harvested & community handcrafted smudge sticks or herb bundles. My goal is to support an indigenous tribe with my next sage bundle!
It is historically recorded that indigenous women took pride in their gender roles by cleaning to remove dirt from the outside world which showed up in the home. When I first learned this I accepted the valuable role women have played through our entire history which is to make a place a home, something that is intimate, & safe.
As we challenge the status quo & create a new world, we move towards sharing social & interpersonal responsibility & roles. All of which begins with taking care of the self, which interim brings community closer, & provides a gradual ego death which is inhabitable. Caring for the self secures your energy while we all interact & share space amidst ever evolving co creation.
A Fun Tip for extra self care rituals:
Align your mental self care with the weather, the moon, & other natural forces while acknowledging the presence of Creator.