From ancient times all the way forward to today, sacred ceremonies, and plant medicine have been used to create a time and space for grieving, for celebrations, and transformational change. For many, taking part in a ceremony helps them to see the sanctity of life, while also reminding them of their place in the universe.
Ceremonies have also been found to benefit our physical health. Inhaling smoke from incense and herbs used in the ceremony can treat microbial infections. This smoke clears the energy of the space and purifies the air of pathogenic bacteria that may compromise the respiratory and immune systems. Taking part in a sacred ceremony helps you to be fully in the present moment, and when you do this, our bodies shift into a more healing state in mind, body, and spirit.
More and more people are looking for ways to re-balance their hectic lives, as well as reconnect with the divine – whatever the meaning of Divine may be for them. For some, they have found yoga, Buddhism, meditation, Taoism, indigenous ways, Eastern philosophies, and many others to find the deeper meaning of their lives. But the individual practices often have one thing in common – rituals done in sacred ceremony. Ceremonies are performed for a number of reasons, such as prayer, initiation, nourish their spirit, celebration, commune with spirits and/or gain sacred wisdom, and healing in mind, body, and spirit.
Imagine beginning each morning with a ritual, and taking a moment (or 10) to connect with the sacred. From the beginning of time, ancient cultures have used ritual and ceremony to enhance their daily lives, as well as nourish their spiritual existence. Starting a day this way would certainly be much healthier and more uplifting than watching the news, scrolling through Facebook, or before you start wadding through your overloaded email InBox.
You can even design a sacred ceremony or ritual to be done in your own home, maybe out in the garden, or in nature. When used regularly, these simple practices can create positive and transformational changes in your well-being.
Here are some tips on how to design a ritual or sacred ceremony for yourself.
Beginning Your Ceremony. Many people over the ages have used sage for ceremony. It helps to clear the space energetically, as well as helps to prepare you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Sage is easy to find in most health-food stores, and even on-line. If you are travelling yet still want to continue your regular rituals, sage essential oil can be used to simply let the aroma fill the room. Tibetan Singing Bowls are another means used traditionally and world-wide to create a harmonic energy in your space. Each bowl has its own tone, and you may need to try a few until you find the one that is right for you.
Sacred Bowl You can use a ceramic or metal bowl. You can use a beautiful seashell you found on the beach while on vacation. Or maybe a special stone with a flat surface that just ‘called’ to you.
Plant Medicine You will be placing these sacred plants or oils into whatever ‘bowl’ you find that suits you best. Some of the favorites used by many include Lavender, Palo Santo, Copal Resin and Rose. Lavender is used to relax the mind and body. Palo Santo offers support and guidance. Copal Resin helps in connecting more deeply with your personal truth. Rose brings a beautiful reminder of your own innate beauty. Explore and experiment until you find the scent, essential oil, or plant that is right for you.
Nature Everywhere you look there is something beautiful to bring into your sacred ceremony. When you take your dog for a walk in the woods, and find a crow’s feather on the path. Enjoying your garden, and you bring some of those beautiful flowers into your home. There are stones or crystals that may have come to you from friends, and you love their colors. Seashells found on your last holiday. Whatever feels right for you.
Paper and Pen Find some beautiful paper at an arts supply store. This is a sacred ritual, and you need materials that convey that. Create a number of slips of paper to be used over time. Take the 1st piece, write down what you dream of coming into your life, whether that be trust, abundance, forgiveness, health, a new home or job, etc. Place the piece of paper into your wallet, your glasses case, or your key fob – something that you carry with you everywhere. Take a 2nd piece of paper, and on this piece write down what you are ready to let go of, whether that be sorrow, anger, disappointment, regrets, or maybe a lost love. The 2nd piece is to be burned, thrown out to sea, or down a deep hole – whatever symbolizes letting go the strongest for you. Studies have shown that this part of the ritual actually does create shifts in behavior as it allows you access to the subconscious.
Mantras or Chants These have been used by sages in India, monks in medieval Europe, and scientists in ancient Greece, and have been passed down to us. Mantras and chants were designed with specific purposes. Some to promote healing, others to gain insight, and others to enhance spiritual growth. You can find CDs to be used in ceremony in most bookstores or even health food stores. You can sing along with your favorites, or you can create your own.
Completing your ceremony Heart Math Institute has been doing studies for years on the communication that takes place between your heart and your brain. This communication can be used to improve and boost your immune system, as well as your nervous system. You can access the wisdom of your heart by connecting with the intelligence within. Place one or both hands over your heart, and open yourself to receiving, allowing, and ‘hearing’ what your own innate intelligence has for you. Once you have received it, whether it may be a word, a feeling, or more of a knowing, send that wisdom to your brain to enhance its function.
Rituals and Sacred Ceremonies do take time to design, and then regular commitment to practice. With regular practice, you will begin to see the effects and benefits to your overall well-being.
Contact Us for more information on Sacred Ceremonies available in Costa Rica.