A Self-Care Ritual
For many Americans, the mandate to shelter in place will end soon. But the anxiety from COVID-19 may linger in the air longer than the virus itself. During the last 55 days or so, our country has seen an increase in xenophobic violence and racist protest to prematurely re-open U.S. states.
On the other hand, Black, Brown, trans and migrant communities are providing mutual aid to meet basic necessities, such as help with rent, groceries and care taking. Per usual, our communities step up with love and resources when our government fails to do the right thing.
During this wild time, it is easy to forget our own self-care needs as many of us face the challenges of this pandemic. And so, in the spirit of mutual aid, I want to offer a self-care bath ritual for this moment.
Rituals are especially useful when we want to invite a relationship, positivity or joy into our lives. Or, when we want to release something which no longer serves us.
Before I start any ritual I set the mood by thinking about my divine purpose for creating the ritual. Lately, my rituals have been a practice of reconnecting to self-love and being grounded. Playing the sound bowls, taking baths and weeping are essential self-love rituals for me. I also create affirmations. Try an affirmation for yourself before beginning the ritual. An affirmation is a declaration that something is true in our lives…even if currently it may not be. “I am abundant and whole” is the affirmation I use while creating ritual around healing. What is your affirmation?
Now, a ritual for self-care:
What you will need:
Four ounces of rose water (stress relief)
Blue lace agate (for calmness)
Candles (for relaxation)
Smoky quartz (grounding stone)
One cup of baking soda (to detoxify the body)
A teaspoon of honey (for sweetness)
Missing some of the items? That’s ok! The above ingredients are only suggestions to get you started on your ritual journey. All that is necessary is an intention and time.
Directions:
Fill the tub with water. Pour the rose water (or rose oil) into the tub. Place the crystals around the tub. If you have other crystals that are calling you, add them. Light the candles and place them at a safe distance away from you for safety. Add the baking soda. Add the honey to the water to invite sweetness into your life. As you stir the water, speak your intention. What do you want to get out of this bath session? How do you envision your day, or evening will look differently as a result of your bath ritual? Get in. Relax. Sing. Repeat your affirmation. Do what feels pleasing to your spirit.
If you only have time for a shower: spray or rub rosewater on you and speak affirmations over your life. If you want to have more compassion for the people you live with, claim that. If you want to surrender to deep pleasure and orgasm, say that. All of it, in the affirmative as if it already exists.
What’s next?
Reflection Questions:
During your ritual, or soon thereafter, journal about your experience. Here are some questions to prompt you, but please feel free to free write, or ask yourself other questions. Remember, this is your ritual and you are to create it based on your intuition and needs.
- What did I learn about myself in this ritual?
- What senses were activated as a result of this ritual? Which ones do I want to concentrate more on and how?
Here’s to your care!
