“He who lacks time to mourn, lacks time to mend” -William Shakespeare
Common reactions to painful emotions are to escape from them or to fight them, but what researchers have found is that when we acknowledge pain instead of resisting it, we give the brain an opportunity to transform it. When we stay in touch with our wounded heart, we’re allowing ourselves to process the pain. And when that happens it begins to heal.
Bringing awareness to our transition process, like taking time to listen to our intuition and experiencing the emptiness of the ending, can lead to restoration. In words of Martha Beck, “accepting and even embracing the grief process makes it brief and cleansing, while denial means that even minor soul shrapnel can stay inside, poisoning your happiness forever.”
Surrendering or coming to terms with change is a challenging process. Your intent would be your keeper, and personal rituals could create the space for it. Ritual studies conclude that they support emotional expression and sense-making. Throughout history, various cultures have used rites de passage to mark life transitions.
During transitions is important to be open to what comes next; but first, we must assimilate and integrate the catalytic event and the aftermath into our understanding. Click To TweetDuring transitions is important to be open to what comes next; but first, we must assimilate and integrate the catalytic event and the aftermath into our understanding. To facilitate integration and move towards your wholeness you can set up a rite de passage for yourself. To design your own ritual, you may use art, body movement, chants, expressive writing, nature, storytelling, time in solitude, a quest to find a symbol, candles, among others.
One of my favorite rituals takes place in the beach because is a magical place where I can connect with the four elements of life; where water represents our emotional body, earth represents our physical body, wind represents our mental body and fire represents our spiritual body.
I usually start with a silent walk for centering and grounding. Then, I reach into the water and visualize the salt dissolving the distressing emotions. Also, the ocean reminds me of acknowledging the flow of life. Afterward, I find a nice spot to lay out for sunbathing. I imagine the light of the sun rays soaking, warming, and illuminating all my being. After that, I bask in the soothing prana or energy of the palm trees, known as the tree which provides all the necessities of life. While feeling the soft breeze I picturing it blows away any remaining negativity and whispering the messages my soul needs to hear. It’s the perfect moment to think about what lessons need to be integrated into my life. In the end, I drink coconut water to replenish my body and restore its balance.
When choosing your ritual, select one with significative symbols that support your wholeness. It will be a courageous movement because you need to be present with your raw self and emotions while bringing acceptance to your current situation. The most important part of your rite of passage is accessing your inner energy and power to integrate life experiences for growth and renewal. It’s creating a space where knowledge and awareness could sink into your heart and become wisdom.
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