Change Your Life with the Magic of Rituals

Are you missing the magick?

Ever feel like you’re missing the magick? Like the days are passing you by with the same activities, automations and habits – but, with no real intention, presence or zest about them? Me too.

Sometimes the to-do list is so big that even acts of self-care can feel like another “to-do” or chore. Life is busy, there’s no avoiding it, but does it have to move so fast? Or feel so repetitive? I don’t think it does, and I believe rituals can transport us from that mundane place to somewhere much more magickal.

Why Rituals Matter

What makes a ritual different from a routine? When we think of or execute our routines, we’re looking at functionality, automatic actions, and we’re outcome-focused. However, when we think of or execute rituals, the focus changes to being present, intentional, and we become embodiment focused. We can flap about playing almost the same day on repeat, week in and week out, or we can alchemise the processes and actions we already take – and turn them into rituals.

Rituals can support our nervous system, our spiritual hygiene, and help to ground and anchor us in our day. They can help us become more present, intuitive, and provide us with nourishment and nurturing. They are an opportunity for self-connection and micro resets throughout the day.

How to Turn Tasks & Routines into Rituals

1. Take your task or everyday routine/habit and set an intention with it. This can be as simple as a word or phrase (think: peace, protection, nurture, etc.) that you hold in your mind before and during your task. Set the intention for your task or habit to bring about the feeling or experience, either as a result of the task being done or as something you feel or experience during the course of the task. You can pick a new intention each day, or have one for the week. Whatever you do, don’t overthink it.

   
   

2. Change the pace. Rituals can be slow, nourishing, personal and quiet. They can also be loud and fast. The important thing is to tune into the state you are currently in as well as the state you desire to be in (hello intention!), let that dictate the pace. A slow living ritual is gorgeous, but remember – Rituals don’t necessarily equal more time spent, they simply require more presence and intention than a routine does.

   
   

3. Make it a sensory experience. Play around with scents, colours, the temperature, things you can touch and explore, sounds and consider the lighting too. The sensory element of being human is deeply personal – so you’ll have to lean heavily into your own preferences and what makes you feel safe, nurtured and free. This tip can seem tricky to carry out at first, but it could be as simple as having a cold utility room that is a DRAG to sort/do the washing in. How can you make it more cosy? Is it layering up on lovely, warm and beautifully textured clothes? Maybe bring a candle and a cup of tea with you? Get creative! Sensory awareness can often bring about inner presence.

   
   

4. Close the Ritual. A deep breath, a closing whisper, snuff out a candle, say thank you. An action or sound to conclude your ritual and a moment to reflect.

Here are a few examples of everyday rituals to inspire you:

• Morning & evening skincare

• Taking a bath or shower

• Doing laundry

• Doing dishes

• Admin tasks

• Making a meal

• 15-minute evening clean

All moments of our days that we can stop, take stock and cultivate daily rituals for ourselves. Whether it’s creating a holistic skincare ritual or ritualising cooking the family dinner after a long day, it’s bound to create some magick in your life.

I’d love to know where you could fit in some rituals in your daily life? Comment below to share!