We all know the feeling of being stuck. It can be anger that overwhelms you, sadness that drowns you, irritation constantly, not knowing what to do next. It can be over big things, it can be over small things, but it's still a feeling of being stuck. Can you relate? Have you ever felt this way? Did it last a day, maybe longer? It happens to all of us, and if it hasn't happened to you, it likely will at some point.
When I started this journey into mindfulness I quickly realized it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The lessons we need to learn in this life often come through challenges, pain, loss, and drama. We are here to experience those lessons and grow from them to evolve and transform.
When you are stuck, maybe now, maybe in the future, here's another tip to try from our mindfulness toolbox. Releasing rituals. I'm using the term ritual very purposefully here. Rituals carry a weight, a formality, a seriousness. In order to fully work through something that has you stuck, you need to really focus and go through a ritual to release it. Here are some quick tips to try your first releasing ritual:
Get Quiet: as I mentioned above, this is a time to really focus. Give yourself space and time to think. Get clear about how you are feeling, and why you feel that way. Be truly honest with yourself. Try listening to quiet music, or lighting a candle, whatever sets the right atmosphere for you.
Write it out: Grab a pen and paper and write down all the things you need to release. How you are feeling. Who made you feel that way. Do you need to forgive yourself for something? Write it all out. And remember, you can do this ritual whenever you need to, so this isn't a one time shot. Just write whatever is weighing on you in this moment.
Release! This is the fun part. Now crush that paper in your hands envisioning all these things now on this paper, out of your body and mind. Next, burn the paper (safely please!) or rip it into tiny pieces and dramatically throw it away as if it's being turned into ash. As you do these acts say to yourself "I release this now, I forgive this now, I let go and move on."
Gratitude: Once you let go of what's been holding you down, let's replace it with something good. Let's replace it with gratitude. Close your eyes and focus on something or someone in your life that you are grateful for. Take a few deep breaths and be proud of yourself for doing this for you.
And the releasing ritual is complete! This can be a deep process to go through. Be gentle with yourself, and know you can come back to this whenever you need to. Also, if this was interesting to you, you can up the game by aligning this practice to the lunar cycles.
Whenever you feel stuck know there are steps you can take to move forward. Get clear, do some releasing, and practice gratitude and your soul will thank you.
Stay mindful my friends, and be well.
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