Rituals start with routines. Routines are what ground us and centre us – they help us create stability and predictability for our minds. Nilakshi Sharma, Content-Head at Paro, tells us how mindfully creating your own personal routines can help you find moments of calm.

Daily rituals are like little notes to the Self. When we can start the day on a note that offers us what we need – calm or delight or joy or even can-do energy, we are nourishing and nurturing our Self, we are laying the groundwork for a better day, a better week and a better year. The rituals with which we end our day are equally important because when can calm our minds and slip into a restful sleep, we are allowing our bodies and minds to rest and repair.

Awaken with Awareness

We rarely think of waking up and starting the day in terms of rituals. When in fact, this time consists of some of our most deeply ingrained rituals – what we call our morning routines. We may be setting the tone of our whole day with our morning routines.

For a start, don’t jump out of bed as soon as your eyes open. Instead, make it a moment of peace – allow all your senses to awaken fully and slowly. Sit up and then check which nostril your breath is flowing freely out of; this simple act allows you to consciously connect with your body. This small awareness practice is also a good foundation for breath awareness and breath meditation practice later.

To give yourself and body time to awaken fully, consider incorporating a very old tradition which is also a very new age tradition – a small prayer or acknowledgment of Mother Earth. You can and should create your own. It can be the joy of starting a new day or the grace of waking up from a good night’s rest. You can look at your cupped palms and centre yourself in your own body. Choose what comes naturally to you but it should be something that allows you to centre and gather yourself. And begin the day on a note that grounds you and calms you.

Smell The Roses

Combine self-care with morning routine. Once out of bed spritz your face generously with pure rosewater. It is true – life is better when you pause to smell the roses. The fragrance of roses lifts the senses and speaks to the heart chakra. And its astringency soothes and refreshes all skin types like nothing else does. You can also keep the rosewater in the refrigerator for an invigorating and skin-toning morning spritz. You can go a step further- freeze pure rosewater in ice trays. And rub the rose ice cube all over your face for the added bonus of reduced puffiness.

Note of Peace

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Nilakshi Sharma, Content-Head at Paro . The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.