Ritual—Life

Gather • Candle and matches • Mirror • Journal

Invited

Begin • Place your mirror at the base of the candle. • Light your candle, saying these words:

I live I am part of the mystery of life I breathe I connect with the wonder of creation

Notice With your eyes open, allow your attention to wander to your hands, noticing their features, as if you have never seen your hands before.

Close your eyes and move your hand to take your pulse at your wrist, noticing the steady beat of your heart.

Feel your pulse at your throat or in your neck, tuning in to its rhythms.

Take your time and consciously slow down your breath, quieting its rhythms to better hear your pulse.

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Chapter 1

Connect When you’re ready, open your eyes and pick up your mirror.

Use the mirror to gaze at your own face, kindly noticing its features, as if you have never seen your face before.

Begin with your eyes, seeing their colours, the curves, and the lashes.

Move your focus to your mouth, noticing its shape and texture. Turn up its corners into a smile, checking to see what that does to your eyes.

Take some time to look lovingly at your face, grateful for the signs of life you see there.

Draw and release some deep breaths to centre yourself, alive and in the midst of life.

Reflect Take a few moments to capture some reflections in your journal about the life in your hands, in your pulse, and revealed in your eyes and face.

Release Take a cleansing breath, grateful to be alive.

Blow out your candle, knowing you can reconnect at any time.

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Simple, Encouraging Practices to Help You Navigate the Spirals of Grief

To be human is to experience grief, and the road to recovery has many twists and turns. This collection of hands-on activities offers support as you remain present to your grief and move toward a state of well-being. Explore the emotions, thoughts, symptoms, and spiritual energy of loss as you learn how to identify the pathways for healing. To enhance your understanding, each chapter incorporates a common set of practices: Chakras · Affirmations · Journaling Meditations · Movement · Essential Oils · Rituals

Wherever you are with your bereavement, this guide is designed to help you navigate your ups and downs throughout the recovery process.

Amanda Mackenzie is a holistic counselor, leadership consultant, and coach. Visit her at www.amandamackenzie.com.au.

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