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Ritual
as a Spiritual Practice
by Barbara
Biziou |
"Make
sacred space
and be reminded of who you are.
You are Spirit and body
sacred space"
Shawna Carol
Goddess Chant
I have always been intrigued by the idea of
cultivating an authentic spiritual practice. This
longing has taken me around the world and has guided me
to soaked up as much as I could from other cultures. I
have participated in pujas, high masses, Buddhist
empowerments and prayer circles of every faith. I
discovered that the commonality in all is the
cultivation of sacred space internally and externally.
My personal ritual is to sit quietly sipping a
freshly brewed cup of tea while I watch the world unfold
outside my window. My neighborhood is very quiet in the
morning and I can feel a stillness in my city that
rarely sleeps. I am blessed with a glorious view of the
Empire State Building and I love watching the rising sun
turn the sky and buildings shades of pink and gold. I
have been told that the Empire State Building is a power
point in our city…and I call on its powerful presence
to imbue my life with passionate possibilities. Through
this ritual I have developed a deeper relationship with
nature’s cycles as I get to savor all of the seasonal
colors that I experience from my view on the tenth
floor.
As I breathe in the day, I center myself and light a
candle on my altar. I burn copal to purify my space and
sanctify it as holy. My meditation lasts around 30
minutes and gives me the nourishment that I need to be
in right relationship with others and with the world. It
helps me feel appreciation for my friends, family and
for Spirit who has given me so much.
Next I mark the sacred passage into daytime by doing
a divination with my tarot cards. I consistently receive
messages that give me insight into the past and present.
I then use this information as a jumping off place that
allows me to expand on these ideas during the day.
I end my sacred ritual by setting my intention for
the day. The more I clearly define my goals the easier
it seems to be to attain them. I always include in my
"to do" list a part for the Universe to play.
I have found that the Universe is the best partner I
could have in life.
Creating a sacred ritual in the morning sustains me
throughout the day and links me with my deeper wiser
self. It gives me insight on what has heart and meaning
in my life. My home transforms into the temple of the
Goddess and I become her priestess. It gives me
sanctuary and solace.
In order to live aligned with Spirit, cultural
anthropologist Angeles Arrien reminds us to create the
blessing way every day by doing three things.
1. Pray every day: set sacred intention.
2. Give gratitude every day. Gratitude keeps your heart
open and allows us to be learners.
3. Make a life affirming action every day. Do
anonymous acts of kindness to restore delight and magic
into the world.
Inner Guidance Ritual.
(adapted from The Joys of Everyday Ritual)
Light a candle with the intention of calling Spirit
into your home. Now focus on your heart center (the area
in the center of your chest). Imagine that you can
breathe in and out through your heart. Allow it to
soften as you connect to the wondrous resources of the
heart…peace, compassion, unconditional love and the
healing presence.
Take out your journal and write these phrases,
leaving plenty of space after each one: I
feel________________. I need____________. I
want_________________.
Allow yourself to fill in the blanks freely moving
about from feelings to needs to wants. Don’t censor
yourself or worry about spelling or grammar. Play with
colored markers or crayons as you add colors for
emphasis or to express a mood. Appreciate the freedom of
knowing you are the only one who will see these pages.
Your emotions might range from profound sadness to
childlike silliness. Think of this as a
"mapping" ritual that will lead you back to
yourself and to your own creativity, power of
determination and inner strength. Let this be a ritual
of connection to your own deep intuition.
"Life is
only now.
Love is only now
Truth is only now.
Wisdom is only now.
Enlightenment,
Self Realization-only now
Joy is only now.
Happiness is only now.
Freedom , only now
Absolute Peace, only now.
It’s up to
you.
--Scott Morrison
© Copyright
2004
Barbara Biziou. All Rights Reserved.
Barbara Biziou, author
of The Joys of Everyday Ritual and The
Joy of Family Rituals, is an internationally
acclaimed teacher of meditation and a life-strategy
coach. She teaches us how to restore ritual to its
rightful place as food for the soul through practical,
easy to use ritual recipes that are inspiring and fun.
Barbara shows people how to incorporate spirituality
into their existing lifestyles and hectic schedules –
without creating extra work or stress! Email: britual@aol.com
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