MORNING BALANCING RITUAL

EMBRACE THE POWER OF MORNING RITUAL & SET THE TONE FOR THE DAY AHEAD

Mornings can vary greatly depending on the circumstances that surround us. Instead of viewing your morning ritual as a specific time each day with a set of things to complete by way of a checklist, I invite you to see it as a series of actions and intentions that help set the tone for the rest of your day upon waking (whenever that may be).

This shift in perspective has been transformative for me, especially as a mother of three children. I've let go of the pressure to wake up at a certain hour and instead focus on things that nurture self-love and flexibility. Starting my day has become a frequency I choose to jump on by taking care of myself first.

As soon as I wake up, I stretch my arms and legs, elongating myself, and take three deep breaths to embrace the new day unfolding before me. It's a simple act that immediately uplifts my spirit and reminds me what a blessing it is to be alive.

Next, I head to the kitchen, where I light a candle and prepare my morning herbs. Lately, I've been enjoying the invigorating blend of Nettle and Peppermint, which helps awaken my body and supports my kidney health. The aroma and warmth of the tea create a comforting experience that sets a positive tone for the day.

These small actions prepare me for my morning ritual, which involves a simple skincare routine and journal prompts to guide me through the day. Here's what I do:

1. Prepare a bowl of warm water.

2. Choose your preferred cleansing oil.

3. Take a large face cloth and place it in the bowl of warm water, gently squeezing out any excess water.

4. Add a few drops of the cleansing oil to the cloth and hold it over your face, inhaling the warmth and allowing it to envelop your senses.

5. Begin to cleanse your face with upward strokes, delicately paying attention to the eye area and not forgetting the neck and décolletage. All strokes should be outward and upward, promoting a fresh and vibrant complexion.

6. Once your face is cleansed, apply a face balm of your choice to your fingertips. Massage your face with the balm, using firm but gentle strokes that work from the centre of your face towards the upper and outer regions. This invigorating massage stimulates facial muscles and aids lymphatic drainage, reducing puffiness.

7. Complete the ritual by placing your index finger on your third eye, gently pushing upwards a few centimetres, and repeating the action. This activates your intuition and aligns your energy.

Now, take a moment to write in your journal, allowing your thoughts to flow onto the paper. Most mornings, after my face cleansing ritual, I engage in morning pages, allowing my mind to be clear and my creativity to flow freely. Alternatively, you can practise a morning meditation if that resonates with you.

To me, ritual is self-care with intention, and it seeks sensuality in order to be sustained. Ritual engages the senses, evoking powerful feelings of joy, love, peace, and reverence within us. It's not about a rigid routine but rather a sacred practice that brings about transformation, that uplifts you and feeds you so as to sustain you. Your rituals and practices should never feel like a burden or obligation. Allow yourself to be nourished by them and choose to do things that bring out the best in you – in doing so, we are putting our best selves forward and we can carry that embodiment of self that is within us throughout our day.

The ritual that I partake in and described above was intended to inspire. I invite you to participate in an exercise that will help establish your unique interpretation of ritual.

Slow down, take deep breaths, and answer the following questions in your journal:

1. In your own words, what is ritual? Describe how you want to feel.

2. When you think of the word "ritual," what word comes to mind?

   1. What object comes to mind?

   2. What colour comes to mind?

   3. What texture comes to mind?

   4. What space or part of your home comes to mind?

With these answers in mind, create a sacred morning ritual space in your home that incorporates your unique loves, interests, and aesthetics. This will be your sanctuary where you can start each day feeling revitalised, embracing acts of self-love. In the example I shared above, I find that my kitchen is my preferred space at the moment. I want to focus on beauty and connecting to my body and I incorporate the elements of Earth that are nourishing to my body and that ground me. This sets the tone for how I want to feel: in my power, graceful, like I can take on anything the day may throw my way.

Remember, creating your own ritual practice empowers you and shows that you don't need elaborate elements to experience sacred moments and set the tone for your day.

The art of sacred ritual reminds us that we are whole within ourselves. It invites us to invoke the sacred goddess within, where she can guide us safely and where we open up space to listen.

Ritual and intention are the essence of alchemy. Through ritual, our transformation begins.

Embrace the power of morning rituals and set intentions for a balanced day. Start your mornings with self-care, intention, and love.

And if you feel called, please share what your practices look like and what ritual tools you implement to beautifully and intentionally serve you with me on the @behindtheveil___ IG account.

Amoureuse,

Brooke x