Tag: GratitudePractice

Finding Peace This Christmas: A Journey of Growth

Christmas Eve Morning: A Sacred Stillness

It’s Christmas Eve morning. Like most mornings, I wake to the soft dawn light. It streams through the open shutters of my bedroom overlooking the Blue Mountains. Today’s light feels particularly radiant, bathing the room in a golden glow and promising the start of a beautiful day. The sun rises with its unhurried elegance, and I find myself drawn to my yoga mat, grounding myself in meditation. I savor the stillness of this sacred moment, letting the peace wash over me.

Unusually, my peace is interrupted by a phone call. It’s my partner, 60 kilometers away, gently reminding me that he’s patiently waiting for my arrival later today. Christmas treats are packed, and together we’ll prepare our lunch for tomorrow. His kind voice carries a reassurance that surprises me. I feel truly at peace. This happens even in this quieter, more solitary lead-up to Christmas.

Christmas has always been a complex time since my divorce. With my boys no longer at home, it has often felt tinged with loneliness. In past years, I buried those feelings in busyness. I cooked meals for my parents and took them to their home. I visited my sister, brother, and aunt, all in separate places. The constant flurry of activity left little time to sit with my emotions.

This year has been different. I’ve intentionally allowed myself to feel the emotions for the first time. I’ve processed the emotions that surfaced in the weeks leading up to today. Instead of pushing them aside, I’ve worked through them, piece by piece. And now, as Christmas approaches, I’ve reached a quiet acceptance: everything is exactly as it is meant to be. There’s peace in letting go of the past and embracing the moment, just as it is.

2024: A Year of Challenge and Growth

2024 was a challenging year—there’s no doubt about that. But as the months rolled on, I discovered something remarkable: I’ve gotten better at navigating life’s inevitable ups and downs. Yes, some moments tested me. There were tears, big emotions, and times when life threw its curveballs. But I’ve learned not to let those moments keep me down for long.

I’ve started embracing emotion for what it truly is—e(motion)—energy in motion. It’s meant to move through us, not get stuck. Brene Brown’s analogy that emotions are like trains traveling through a tunnel resonates deeply with me. Solitude is the gift that lets me sit with my emotions. I can feel them fully. Then, I let them pass through that tunnel. And here’s the beautiful part: as I practice this, I notice the process gets quicker. How powerful is that? I realise I can shift my emotional state. I do this not by suppressing it but by feeling it. I release it and embrace the growth it brings. Honestly, it feels like I’m developing a superpower.

So, what’s changed? A big part is the sacred, joyful collection of rituals and practices I’ve created for myself. They’re small things—simple and ordinary—but they bring me immense joy. It is a morning meditation. It’s a walk in the mountains. It is lighting a candle at the end of the day, or at the beginning of a yoga practice. These practices honour my own needs. They keep me grounded. They’re the foundation. They allow me to show up for others in a true way. I do this without losing myself in the process. Most of the time, anyway. Let’s call it progress, not perfection. 😉

Closing One Chapter to Open Another

Five years after my divorce, I finally feel ready to let go of something I’ve held onto tightly: my home. Yesterday, I signed the contract with the agent. I spent so much time toying with the idea of selling. I often wondered what life might look like beyond these walls. Suddenly, it felt right. The decision didn’t come overnight—it’s been a slow, deliberate process. I’ve entertained the idea. I have contemplated it in my mind and heart. I tried it on for size in countless ways. But now, I feel ready to close this chapter and start anew.

As Rumi so beautifully says:

“This is love: to fly toward a secret sky, to cause a hundred veils to fall each moment. First to let go of life. Finally, to take a step without feet.”

That’s exactly where I find myself. I have no clear picture of what 2025 will bring. I know that I’ll no longer be tied to the identity this home has attached to me. It defined me as mother, wife, suburbanite, and host. It’s time to redefine myself without the labels this space has so lovingly carried for me. It’s a leap into the unknown, but for the first time, it feels exhilarating rather than daunting.

Looking Ahead to 2025

Anticipation and Gratitude: Embracing What’s Next

I am flying to India in January, and with each passing day, the anticipation builds. People tell me such a journey can be life-changing. But here’s the thing: when you live fully in the moment, every moment is life-changing. There are no expectations, no regrets—just the now. How freeing is that?

Perhaps when I return, a new home will have found its way to me. Perhaps it will take longer. Who knows? All I know is this: I’m embracing the unknown for what feels like the first time in my 55 years. As I write this, if I’m honest, I remember this feeling from childhood. I’m embracing it with a sense of wonder. It’s that same exhilaration I felt as a little girl when I discovered the tree outside my bedroom window and begged my mum for a spoonful of Vegemite to fuel my climb. That pure, unfiltered anticipation is what I’m feeling now as I look ahead to 2025.

The thought excites me. It’s a blank canvas. It’s an opportunity to create a space that reflects who I am now. It does not reflect who I’ve been. The Blue Mountains will stay my sanctuary. My future identity will be lighter and freer. It will be untethered from the stories of the past.

Gratitude for the Chapter That’s Closing

This Christmas, I am preparing to leave the home that has held so much of my story. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. I’m grateful for the years I’ve spent here. I appreciate the growth it has nurtured. I admire, in myself, the courage it has taken to finally step into what’s next. This home has been a place of love, resilience, and transformation, and now it’s time to carry those lessons forward.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: the joy we cultivate within ourselves radiates outward. It helps us show up, serve, and live fully—without losing sight of who we truly are. That joy is my anchor as I move into this next chapter.

Carrying Peace Into the Holidays

As the day unfolds, I’ll pack up the Christmas goodies and head to my partner’s place. But I won’t just be carrying treats—I’ll be bringing the joy and peace that have taken root in my heart. This Christmas feels different, lighter. It’s a season of transition, a celebration of what’s been and what’s to come. Wherever this journey takes me, I’m ready to greet it with open arms and a heart full of gratitude. Wherever you are today, I hope you’re finding your own moments of stillness. I wish that you experience joy and maybe even a little courage to take a step without feet. Wishing you a Christmas filled with light and love. 🎄✨

The Power of Rituals—Bringing Structure to Spirituality

Hello, dear readers! Today, we’re diving into a topic that has truly transformed my life: rituals. Now, I know what you might be thinking—rituals? Aren’t those reserved for ceremonies or something mystical? Well, yes and no. Rituals, in the way I practice them, are about creating small moments of intention in the day-to-day—a way to bring both structure and spirituality into this wonderfully chaotic journey we call life.

Why Rituals Matter

For most of my adult life, I ran on routines. Wake up, get the kids ready, work, cook dinner, sleep, rinse, repeat. The routines kept life organized and predictable, and, if I’m honest, I often felt like I was on autopilot. Looking back, it’s as if life happened, and I hardly even noticed because I was so busy with the day-to-day. But once the nest was empty, those routines became redundant and meaningless. I needed more than structure— connection, purpose, and calm. And that’s when I realized rituals could bring something new: balance between my rational mind and my spiritual heart.

Rituals are more than just habits—they are sacred moments woven into our daily lives, filled with purpose and intention. They invite us to slow down, to indeed be present, and to transform the ordinary into something beautiful. For someone like me, who often gets lost in the details and the constant hum of analysis, rituals have become a lifeline—offering stability amidst chaos while nurturing the deeper, more tender parts of myself. They remind me that life isn’t just about productivity; it’s about connection, purpose, and finding grace in even the most minor actions.

Morning Rituals: Setting the Tone for the Day

Something about the morning makes it the perfect time to bring a sense of intention into your day. I’ll admit, there was a time when my mornings consisted of hitting snooze three times before frantically scrambling to start the day. But now, I’ve transformed those early hours into a sacred time, and it’s made all the difference.

1. Morning Journaling
One of the most grounding rituals I’ve adopted is morning journaling. It doesn’t have to be anything profound—I simply sit down with a cup of tea (more on that later) and write whatever comes to mind. Some days, it’s a gratitude list. Other days, it’s a brain dump of all the worries and to-dos circling in my head. Occasionally, it’s just a description of the weather outside.

For my analytical side, journaling is a way to organize my thoughts, put those racing ideas on paper, and see them from a distance. For the spiritual side, it’s a way to connect with my inner self, to ask, “What do I need today?” and “How can I be kind to myself?” It’s a practice that brings me back to the present, where everything is a little more manageable.

2. Meditation and Breathwork
After journaling, I take a few minutes to meditate. I’m not talking about hours in the lotus position—just ten to twenty minutes of focused breathing or sitting quietly with my thoughts. Nadi Shodhana (alternate nostril breathing) is my go-to. It helps calm my mind, balancing my brain’s rational and creative sides and bringing a sense of equilibrium before the day’s demands begin.

Meditation allows me to feel the connection between my mind and body, creating a moment of stillness in what is often a whirlwind. For someone who leans into analytical thinking, it’s not about “finding zen”—it’s about creating mental space, giving my mind the rest it needs to tackle the day with clarity and focus.

3. Setting Intentions
Before officially starting the day, I take a moment to set an intention. It might be as simple as “I will be patient today” or “I will stay present.” Setting an intention makes me feel like I have some control over navigating the day, even if I can’t control what happens. For my rational side, it’s like programming a mantra that guides my actions. For the spiritual side, it’s a reminder that I get to choose how I show up, no matter what the world throws at me.

Evening Rituals: Closing the Day with Calm

Just as the morning sets the tone, the evening offers a time to reflect and release. I used to end my days exhausted, scrolling endlessly through my phone, hoping that would help me unwind. Spoiler alert: it didn’t. I was left overstimulated, with a racing mind that refused to let me sleep. That’s when I knew I needed to end the day differently—with rituals that would help me close the chapter with intention.

The Ultimate Wind-Down: Tea, Gratitude, and Unplugging

When it comes to protecting my sleep, I don’t mess around. Post-cancer, sleep became my top priority. After reading Matthew Walker’s “Why We Sleep,” I realized how crucial it is and permitted myself to treat sleep as a sacred gift. My go-to? Herbal leaf tea.

Step 1: Tea as the Ultimate Ritual

My sleep ritual begins with the kettle. Boiling water isn’t just part of the process anymore—it’s my signal to wrap up the day. I turn off the lights, light a candle, and let the quiet settle in. The soft hum of the kettle heating up is like a gentle reminder to unplug from the day’s chaos.

As the water boils, I mentally run through my gratitude list. No need for a journal—just a quiet reflection. I think about three things that went well. Some days, it’s big stuff like a supportive friend. On other days, I’m just grateful I didn’t spill the tea leaves all over the kitchen. It’s my time to appreciate that, even in the chaos, there’s always something to hold onto.

Selecting my tea feels almost ceremonial. I choose my herbal blend, like greeting an old friend—delicate, calming, exactly what I need. I watch the leaves fall softly into the pot, transforming the simple act of making tea into something meditative. When the 80-degree water (because, yes, we’re fancy now) pours over the leaves, I watch them swirl and release their calming aromas.

Step 2: Gratitude and Unplugging, Tea in Hand

As the tea steeps, I’ve already begun unplugging. No screens, no doomscrolling. This is my moment to disconnect. I might grab a book, sit by the window, or close my eyes and breathe. With its rising steam, the tea becomes the centrepiece of my unwinding ritual. It’s not about rushing—it’s about letting the tea do its thing while I take a moment to unwind.

By now, my gratitude list is fully formed. I’ve acknowledged the small wins of the day, like that perfect cup of coffee or the fleeting sunshine. It’s a simple reflection but enough to shift my mood from stressed to serene.

Step 3: Sipping into Serenity

When the tea is ready, that first sip is like a reward for making it through the day. The warmth in my hands and the soothing flavours tell my body, “You’ve done enough.” The steam is like a soft hug, signalling to my brain that the work is over and it’s time to rest.

This ritual—tea, gratitude, and unplugging—has become my nightly grounding practice. By the time I finish my cup, I’m already halfway asleep. It’s not just about the tea; it’s about carving out space for myself, acknowledging the good, and transitioning into rest mode.

Rituals as Bridges Between Rationality and Spirituality

Rituals bridge the gap between our need for structure and our desire for connection. They bring predictability to the day, which soothes the rational mind. They also invite mindfulness and reflection, nurturing the spiritual side. Rituals remind us that we’re more than just “doers”—we are beings capable of deep connection with ourselves and the world around us.

For analytical thinkers, rituals provide a sense of control—structuring the day to reduce stress and bring clarity. But they also invite surrender, presence, and a moment to simply be. This balance is why rituals are essential to my life and why I encourage you to try them.

Create Your Own Rituals

Here are a few simple ideas to help you create rituals that bring structure and spirituality into your day:

  • Morning Gratitude: Before getting out of bed, think of one thing you’re grateful for. Start the day on a positive note and notice the shift in perspective.
  • Mindful Breaks: Set a timer during the day to take a breath, stretch, or check in with yourself. A simple way to bring mindfulness into a busy schedule.
  • Evening Reflection: Before bed, reflect on the best part of your day. Let it be the last thought before sleep, fulfilling the day.

Moon Cycles: Create rituals that align with the moon’s phases. For the new moon, set fresh intentions and be grateful for the lessons coming for your highest self. During the full moon, practice reflection and prepare to release anything that no longer serves you as the moon is emptying.

Seasonal Shifts: Welcome each new season with a ritual. For example, in the winter, light candles, journal what you wish to nurture within yourself and begin a new creative course online or locally. In the spring, plant something, be it seeds or intentions, and watch them grow.

Birthday Rituals: Your birthday is the perfect time for a yearly ritual. Set
intentions for the coming year, reflect on the past year’s lessons, and perhaps even create a self-care ritual to celebrate yourself.

Rituals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. They just have to be intentional. In that intention, they create balance—a way to connect the rational with the spiritual, the structure with the flow, and the mind with the heart.

Here’s to making space for rituals that calm the mind, nurture the soul, and bring a little sacredness to our daily routines.