Write for Ritual
Hello Dear One,
The birds are singing outside my windows, which are open at eight in the evening. In Scotland this is summer. And I’m taking delight in it. At people reuniting, spending time with friends; at pubs and restaurants open for the first time; at music floating through the air. The stuff of life.
While it swirls around me I also feel a need to ground, to keep rooted.
Mornings have always been my favourite time: I love the quiet spaciousness of them, the potential. And so I meditate (sometimes), then journal - (always). Connecting to how I am is a non-negotiable because I saw the flip side of it, the damage that comes with repressing emotions. Some mornings I make this more of a ritual. I burn Palo Santo and play beautiful music. I sit in the same place, look at the same view and witness myself evolve. When I’m done I dance to one great song. Then, if there’s time, I swim in the sea.
A few months ago, as my interest in rituals grew, I listened to a London Writer's Salon interview with author Casper ter Kuile, who’d just released a book about their power. One of his rituals took place every Friday – lighting a candle and turning off devices for 24 hours. I love this idea because it turns something that may seem challenging, or a little like deprivation, into a nurturing, soulful practice. These are especially valuable in uncertain times.
As you explore this week’s prompts imagine curating rituals like special experiences for a friend. Encourage yourself to enjoy beautiful, soothing spaces.
I hope it helps. One of my weekly rituals is writing this letter to you. I’d also love to integrate regular rituals around the moon, as well as something new in the evenings. And I can do that, I hold the power to create. As do you.
Rituals help us feel safe and I also believe they fuel our self-esteem. When we treat our lives with respect, our time as sacred, we become more sure-footed.
Thanks for being here and being you.
All love,
Jo
WRITE TO REFLECT: The Mid-Year Edition
Join me in a one-off workshop to reflect on 2021 so far and set positive, achievable intentions for the rest of the year. Open to all, whether you journal regularly or haven’t picked up a pen in years.
Thursday 24th June, 7.30 pm via Zoomaloom.
AND FINALLY, if you like these letters I’d be thrilled if you shared them with a friend.
You can also like, comment or tip by buying me a coffee on Ko-fi.