The pause before an inhale.
The quiet before the storm.
The peace before the action.
This is how I think of early mornings. I have always been a morning person, since I was a young child. My mom was the same and some of my first memories are of her coming into my room early each day, opening my blinds and singing a morning song she’d made up. She did this for all of us and while one of my sisters grumbled through it (being a natural night owl), I loved that we had a morning routine – a ritual to start each day with the intention of rising and shining with our hearts open and energy high.
I respect that not everyone wakes up full of energy but I have found that having a ritual to start my day and focus my energy is a wonderful way to practice some self-nurturing and to live more intentionally and attuned to my highest self.
Mystical Morning
To start, there is the beauty of the early morning itself. Regardless of if you are a morning person or not, there is no denying that there is something divine about those pre-dawn, early morning hours. There is a reason why artists and photographers talk about the “golden hour”, cinematographers talk about the “magic hour” – those minutes surrounding sunrise and sunset when the light itself is softer and the colors of the world change.
The world is quieter, muted, gentler. It’s as if you get to see the moon handing over the reins to the sun and experience a moment where their beauty and power combine for this special in-between time.
What better time than during this magic hour to greet your soul and stir your senses in preparation for the day ahead.
Sacred Spaces, Ritual Practices
Rituals are about intentions, taking moments of sensory, physical, mental, spiritual pleasure and contemplation to give you a touch point to both ground and energize you.
One of our yoga teachers, Ann, in talking about the beauty of personal rituals, said something along the lines of “I love rituals, they help remind me of how I want to exist in the world.”
Sacred spaces and rituals are beautiful ways to nurture and stay in touch with your deepest and divine self. But they don’t have to be reserved for churches, sanctuaries, studios, forests, oceans, special occasions, or gatherings – you can create them right within your home, right within yourself, and access them regularly by intentionally setting up a space and some routine practices that feed your spirit.
We invite you to honor your divine self by working a ritual – no matter how simple or complex – into your life more regularly. Some things to consider as you form your own ritual practice:
Time of day – Morning is a wonderful time to partake in rituals that are meaningful and fulfilling to you– a peaceful time when all aspects of your being are just stirring and you have the opportunity to set the tone for the day.
But if you are more of a night owl, consider a nighttime ritual instead. When my daughter was young, her midday naptime was my sacred alone time to take a moment and partake in a nurturing ritual for myself – whatever works with how your natural energy ebbs and flows and what your schedule allows.
A sacred space of one’s own – We recommend setting up a space that is quiet and inspiring, including whatever it is that feeds your soul – the elements differ depending on the person but this is your sacred altar where you know you can turn inwards and connect with your highest self.
What kind of space will help you do that?
If you have a whole room, that’s wonderful, but even a small corner with a cushion to sit on works well. Sometimes you can take your ritual outside and incorporate communing with nature into it.
Take into consideration all of your senses –
What will you gaze at? A window, blank wall, plant, altar of crystals and meaningful items, or figures/artwork that means something to you
Give yourself something lovely to smell – candles and essential oils can help balance your energy or just bring you peace and joy
It’s nice to be cozy – having a blanket for warmth or some soft socks or piece of clothing you reserve for this time and purpose
Maybe a favorite mug/cup for your favorite warm (or cool) beverage
Awareness of what sounds you will hear in this place – is it quiet, can you hear nature, maybe a speaker nearby for quiet music?
Think about what works for you and what feels right. Set the intention that this will be the place where you can turn inwards and connect with your highest self for moments of peace, inspiration, clarity, gratitude, honesty, release, strength, vulnerability, and bliss.
Choosing your ritual elements - This is very personal and depends on what feeds your spirit. Some ideas for you to play with to find your own mix:
Meditation
Breathwork
Yoga or mindful movement
Chanting, singing, humming
Pulling from a tarot or oracle deck
Journaling
Reading and reflecting
Prayer
Lighting a candle
Applying essential oils
Preparing a favorite drink or food
Some nurturing skincare love
If you are struggling with what to include, think of 3 simple things – one to nurture your mind, one your body, and one your spirit - and start with those.
For example, reading an excerpt from a favorite book, stretching, and meditating.
Will you join the sunrise souls?
My morning ritual has evolved throughout my life as my practices, time, energy, and awareness have changed but it is usually a solitary practice and I’m excited to try something I haven’t before come August -- joining in a morning ritual as part of a community of other early risers.
One of our teachers, Kay, is offering a short morning ritual every Wednesday and I will be there -- maybe internally singing my mom’s good morning song :)
So, will you join us – the mystical club of early morning, dawn-worshipping, sunrise souls?
Sign up here and give your spirit the gift of experiencing this magical time of day with meaningful ritual with us.
