IKIGAI MORNING RITUAL (BE HAPPY AGAIN!)
This is a personal ritual I created to practice right after I wake up (when Iâm not running late) and it has changed my life for the better! I find that Iâm happier, healthier, more at peace, and more confident in myself. Before you begin practicing this ritual on a daily basis (or occasional basis), youâll need to create your own affirmation list. Donât worry, Iâll walk you through it!
EXAMPLE AFFIRMATION MANTRA
This first part is generic and can be used by anyone. It is used to bring you to the happy, peaceful present and ground you in it! Each time you perform this part of the ritual, you will want to fill in the blanks with what you sense around you. Really take a moment to feel your reality.
âI welcome the morning with a smile.
I am present in all that I do.
This next part is customizable. Youâre going to be coming up with positive statements that make up who you want to be/who you are. For me, itâs more effective if I say them out loud. You always want to start your affirmation with âI amâ and you must always be positive in your wording. You can also add things like, âI am strong enough to continue to overcome my past addiction to cigarettesâ or âI am successful in my career.â Anything you want to work on, or just reaffirmâlist it here! Below is an example.Â
I am beautiful and confident.
I am creative and motivated.
I am intelligent and wise.
Whether you believe in a higher power or believe solely in yourself, you will pay a sort of tribute to that here. Affirm that you are protected and guided in any way you please. Hereâs an example.
âI am guided and protected by the Universe,
The intelligent black omen,
The winged, night creator,
And the Under-gate guard.
We are. We are. We are One.â
This is where you end your affirmations by affirming your beliefs. This is an example of mine:
So it was. So it is. So it will forever be.â
Now that youâve written out your daily affirmation mantra (which you can alter/upgrade at anytime), you can begin performing your ritual!Â
Begin by setting the mood with binaural beats that produce positive feelings. I prefer to play happy binaural beats in the mornings. Hereâs a link to my favorite happy sound.
You should then cleanse the area. I used a palo santo stick that I let burn out in my mini cauldron. It offers a scent that you can focus on while grounding your senses. You can also use components such as incense or sage if you see fit.
At this point I light an appropriate colored candle. A good color for this ritual is yellow, which stands for creativity, inspiration, concentration, logic, learning and action. The light of a yellow candle brings one closer to attaining the cheerfulness, endurance, stability and security they crave.
Ring a bell to further clear the air and ease yourself into a meditative state. If you donât have a bell or tone-object such as a gong or Tibetan singing bowl, you can whistle or hum a singular tone that makes you feel focused, calm, and happy.
Sit cross legged (or lotus position if youâre able), with your back straight, and perform an appropriate mudra. A mudra is a symbolic or ritual gesture in Hinduism and Buddhism. Itâs a spiritual gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity. While some mudras involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers. I use Ksepana Mudra, which directs negative energy out of the body, and brings in positive energy. To practice ksepana mudra, place your hands in your lap and interlace the fingers of both hands and then release the index fingers. The index fingers are touching one another. The thumbs are crossed and the thumb pads rest, more or less, in the crook between thumb and index finger. When seated and practicing this mudra the index fingers should gently point downward.Â
Now you read your personalized affirmation mantra. After every line, practice the 4-7-8 breathing exercise. The 4-7-8 breathing exercise is utterly simple. Place the tip of your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth, and keep it there through the entire exercise. You will be exhaling through your mouth around your tongue; try pursing your lips slightly if this seems awkward.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound.
Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four.
Hold your breath for a count of seven.
Exhale completely through your mouth, making a whoosh sound to a count of eight.
Reflect deeply on everything you say while you do this. Really feel it!
When youâve finished, you may sit and meditate for as long as you like or end the ritual quickly by blowing out your candle and ringing your bell! Now donât you feel ready to take on the world?Â
                                 -thesilverwitch
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