The Art Of Ritual
In truth a ritual can be anything to which you attach significant meaning. It is action that you take with full awareness. It is not so much the ritual or the action itself – but rather the emotion, intention and attention that you infuse into the doing. Rituals are significant as long as they are conducted with mindfulness. As soon as they become mundane or automatic it turns into just another action or habit.
Performing rituals creates a sense of balance in our day. It creates a safe space where no matter what has happened that day and lets face it life happens ! , you have something that is calming and grounding. These mindful moments will bring a calming energy in times when you feeling stressed or anxious.
The ancient art of Ayurveda teaches us that nourishing our unique pattern of energy channels is key to a balanced life. Self care creating space and time are essential to becoming your best self. The key to success with ritual is consistency , making the ritual part of your daily routine , a part of you.
My love affair with Sleep Rituals started when I created a Sleep routine for my youngest daughter Darcey Rose, she was a terrible sleeper. It was a really really difficult time , her brother and sister were great sleepers. I had tried everything but nothing was working she would wake up every night on the hour … In hindsight being the 3rd baby I was definitely more relaxed with her routines. Also after 2 years of no sleep I was mentally and physically exhausted. I started to create a little ritual for her every evening we would turn off the TV - I pads basically anything stimulating and start to wind down. I ran a bath for her and massaged her with a oil I made with a Sleep blend of Aromatherapy. We spritzed down her bed with Sleepy Spray and read then I turned on white noise - sound baths to help her drift off. We repeated the ritual at the same time night after night not missing a step and eventually the night time ritual started to work and Darcey Rose finally slept , she turns 7 next week and still goes to bed every night with her Sleep Spray and Meditation :)
When I created the Ritual of Sleep back in 2018 my intension behind the ritual was to create a space for you to easily access a practice that inspires a moment of self care. I wanted adults to prioritise their Sleep the same way we do for our children. As I have evolved the ritual to our Ayurvedic Ritual of Sleep , this ritual is based on ancient Ayurvedic and Yoga Nidra teachings, the ultimate healing consciousness of sacred rest enjoyed by the ancient yogis. As a yoga & meditation teacher I wanted to create space for you to easily access a practice that inspires a moment at the end of the day to promote Sleep and relaxation through the practice of Yoga Nidra , breathwork and Aromatherapy.
I often get asked about my own Sleep Ritual so here it is …
Every evening I start by oil cleansing my skin , as a skin therapist cleansing your skin is one of the important parts of your skincare routine. I LOVE oil cleanser its suitable for all skin types , it removes all your make up gently and effectively and leaves your skin really comfortable, your skin is perfectly prepped for the rest of your skincare routine.
I then take a warm shower/ bath and do Abhyanga Self Massage Ritual with our Sleep Dharma Ayurvedic Bath & Body Oil.
I then light my Sleep Dharma candle and finish my skin care rituals I am a big fan of SKINCEUTICALS skincare and use their products morning and evening with my oils.
I’m a huge fan of journaling I am currently using THE DIARY by STEVEN BARTLETT and I highly recommend it if you want to make accountable actionable decisions in your life. It invites you to start your 12 week journey of introspection, self development and self-awareness. Each week reflect in physical Diary on the four key pillars of your life: work, finances, health & relationships. its a great way to get the day out of your head and down onto a page. I imagine I am closing the diary on my day.
Then I spritz down my bed with Sleep Dharma pillow mist and begin a wind down practise of breathwork & meditation.
With our Ritual I have made it really easy for you to connect to your practice you can simply scan the QR code on the Ritual to access the YOGA NIDRA meditation to help move you into a deep state of conscious awareness sleep, a deep state of relaxation that will help to decrease anxiety and stress preparing the body & mind for deep rest.
This is a sacred time for me I truly believe Sleep and Ritual is a Superpower and small daily acts preformed consistently lead to the biggest results.
As always please reach out if you need any help ,
Love & Sleep
SAT NAM
Suzie x