Meditate On It
Consider this: Each action we take is as important, or as trivial as we believe it to be. Whilst most of us would likely nod our heads and agree that to at least some extent, this statement holds truth, when you pause to consider the power in this principle it’s mind blowing.
Imagine that you have a haircut appointment coming up. Maybe you’re a person who dreads the boredom of being trapped in a salon chair for hours (or perhaps even minutes) and you’re slightly resentful of the block in your calendar. You drag yourself there, paste on a fake smile, and impatiently watch the clock. The haircut seems a trivial exercise which you know “has” to be done, and even though you’re reasonably happy with the end result, you grit your teeth as the attendant behind the desk politely asks if you’re good to schedule for the same day and time in six weeks.
On the flipside, maybe you’re a person who loves your regular hair appointments. You treasure the time that you spend in the salon as a gift to yourself. You leave with plenty of time, pick up a coffee on the way, put your phone on silent, and allow yourself to relish in the sensation of someone washing your hair. For the rest of the afternoon you bask in the freshness of a new cut. The exact same appointment. The exact same amount of time spent. Two wildly different experiences. I know which world I’d rather be living in…
The reality is that we have the power to choose which of these experiences we want to have in any given scenario. What’s more, the choice that we make has a power that extends beyond the event. The intention, or lack thereof, which we imbue our daily tasks with not only shapes the day ahead, but ultimately our lives.
There are so many habits which we engage in on a daily basis to care for ourselves and those around us. Creating a healthy routine is fundamental to success. We hear and see often that successful outcomes are the product of consistency and dedication over a period of time.
Habits work when we’re clear on the ‘why’. Have you ever noticed that the first week of a new gym routine is way more fun than the third or fourth week? When we start something, we’re lit up by the promise of achieving our goal. It’s new and exciting and we can’t wait to meet ourselves on the other side. The first week is powerful because each time we do the thing, we have our goal in mind and certainty that the action is propelling us towards achieving it.
So when it comes to caring for ourselves, how do we hold onto our why and continue towards our goals with the same energy? By transforming habits, to rituals.
In contrast to habits, which can become automatic and therefore harder to sustain long term, a ritual involves intentionality. Daily rituals transform an act that could become mundane over time into an act of self-love. You’ll not only enjoy routine things more in the moment, but you will see the consciousness shift create incredible and unexpected value in all areas of your life. Whether it’s a haircut, cooking dinner, or waking up early for a gym class you can’t believe you booked in your right mind last night; find the opportunity. Connect with your intention, have gratitude towards yourself for what you’re about to do, and make it a conscious choice rather than rolling through the motions. Choose and take ownership of what you want your experience to be and watch the magic happen.
For more resources on daily self care practices imbued with a sense of ritual, download my digital guide - Meditate On It: Self Care + Intention.
