Daily rituals are an integral part of older cultures. They create a predictable pattern that soothes and sustains the human psyche. In America, I sometimes lament that our rituals, as a culture are limited to Happy Hour, the Super Bowl and weekends at the mall.
Is there a time of day when you really struggle with a difficult habit? Schedule a simple, uplifting routine that you can look forward to at that time. Daily practice helps to keep us focused on what is truly important in our lives.
Here are a few ideas:
1. Read something inspiring.
Start the morning with thoughts and inspiration from an author who lifts your mind and heart to a higher level.
2. Stop for teatime.
Stop completely and enjoy a cup of tea. Give yourself 15 minutes, all to yourself, to simply relax.
3. Practice a skill.
Schedule regular time to develop a skill that is meaningful to you. Deliberately practice the parts of the skill that you are weakest at, seek out a class, a coach or develop your knowledge of the skill. Let it become a passion and a source of higher self-regard.
4. Try something new, regularly.
Maybe once a week or every other week find new activities that you think you might enjoy, take a class, go to a lecture or join a book club. View the experience as an experiment. If you don’t enjoy it, you’ve learned something, and if you do, you have found something positive to add to your life.
5. Love the difficult people.
Are you struggling with a relationship? Think of someone who you creates unease in your mind and heart. Gently cultivate compassion for the difficulty these annoying qualities cause this person. Notice how your heart feels as you shift from judgment to compassion.
6. Take 10 full breaths.
This is a simple and profound exercise: Let your belly soften as you draw in a deep breath. Breathe in as much as you can, without creating tension. Allow a brief pause at the end of the in breath, notice the feeling of fullness. Gently pulling your navel back towards your spine, exhale as much as you can without creating tension. Pause at the end of the exhale and simply notice your feelings. Relax your jaw by gently swallowing and visualize a soft spaciousness between your eyebrows. If any thoughts or emotions arise, simply notice them; let them move through you as you continue this breathing exercise.
7. Write a letter or call a friend.
Make a regular place and time for connecting with others who you don’t see often enough. Is there a beloved person in your life who is having a difficult time? Do you know how meaningful a card or letter will feel to them? Not an email, but something that comes in the mail, that they can hold. Letters have become a precious commodity.
I think of my yoga mat as a place that I practice being the best person I know how to be. I spend my practice time cultivating qualities that I need to work on, like self-love, acceptance, patience, courage… okay, so it’s a long list.
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