Creating Rooted Rituals for More Balanced Transitions

Here at the Center for Sacred Window Studies, we share voices from many perspectives and backgrounds. We believe that the sacred weeks post birth, and the experience of humanity is experienced in countless ways. We learn by listening to one another and honoring our stories. The views and opinions of our writers do not necessarily reflect the mission, viewpoints or opinions of the Center for Sacred Window Studies.

Transition, change, and transformation are a normal part of life.

It’s common for us to feel emotionally charged when faced with uncertainties or when things are out of our control. Entering into parenthood is a time that evokes a collection of feelings that vary from one person to the next and will be matched with actions, reaction, physical manifestations, and imbalances.

One of the best teachers of how to surrender to transition is Mother Nature.

There are lessons that can be received, woven into every element and each living or dying thing that exists in the wild. And the way in which each of these moves from what it was into what it is to become is a mirror that we as humans can look to for comfort, for answers, and for guidance on how to become more graceful in our attempts to release control.

In Ayurveda we are taught like attracts like and opposites balance. And this can be witnessed in every area of life. 

A foundational belief that I hold and incorporate into both my personal life as well as my professional offerings is the art of connection.

When one centers self connection, they are able to lean into and learn the unique language spoken by their own soul.

This soul connection, I believe, is what allows us to learn how to become our own best self advocate, extend healthy boundaries, learn from past hardships and traumas, and most importantly find confidence in trusting the healing that our body seeks in order to flow back into balance once it’s shifted out of alignment. 

Connection is a relationship in which a person, thing, or idea is linked or associated with something else. Connection is something that links, a means of communication or transport. Connection is the foundation of our existence and the foothold for transition, change, and transformation. 

In order for one to connect well with the world outside of their own human container, they must first learn the importance of their own layers of connection with self. As a first time or veteran parent, it’s vital for your connection with the babe that you are bringing into the world. A newborn has not yet learned the spoken language of life and trustingly relies on their parent(s) to show them the way. One of the best ways to learn this is by discovering your own personal unspoken language that connects your body, mind, and soul.

There are many ways in which one can uncover, strengthen, and center self connection.

One that I’ve found most useful, and easily scalable over time is incorporating Rooted Rituals into your everyday life. Rooted Rituals are short, considered practices that lead one to centering their own self in loving, nourishing, healing, and mindful ways. They are designed to slowly transform habits that we all sink into over time – habits that cause us to subtly lose connection with our needs, boundaries, or prioritizing our wellness so that we can show up and share our time, love, and gifts in all areas of our life as the best version of ourselves. 

As a new parent, it may seem challenging to think about making time for anything other than caring for your new baby and family. Or you might be most comfortable with putting yourself last in order to make sure that those around you are well taken care of.

Rooted Rituals allow and encourage any person to learn how to take a full moment, a breath, and a heartbeat for themselves.

In my own practice, I commit to honoring one ritual a day. Some days I achieve more, some days I meet that dedication with a lot of effort. The point is not to check a completion off the list, but rather to allow yourself to find space to be the most present for and with yourself, in ways that nourish your needs.

For anyone who is hoping to meet their next transition with more surrender than perhaps in times before, this is a great practice to try.

Here are a few ideas of how to explore creating your own Rooted Rituals.

1. Make a list of things that make you feel grounded, nourished, emotionally refreshed, physically empowered, mentally strong, or energetically light.
2. Pick one thing from this list that is the most simple and easy to complete.
3. Dedicate a time of day that will work best for you to attempt completing this.
4. Set a daily alarm on your phone as a gentle reminder to help you begin.
5. When the alarm sounds, set a timer for 1-5 minutes and dedicate this time to being the most present that you can with the Ritual you are growing for yourself.

Things to think about when discovering your own Rooted Rituals:

• They should be done on your own if possible and if you are able to do this.
• They should include something that is solely for you. Most of our days are dedicated to nurturing those around us. Rooted Rituals are dedicated to remembering how to also nurture our own selves. 
• If possible, step away from your own life’s chaos for those 1-5 minutes. Find a room to be alone in, use headphones, or step outside for some fresh air and open space. 
• If you miss a day or few, it’s okay. Every day is its own and each day you have the chance to begin where you’re at. 
• Be gentle, kind, and forgiving of anything that your body, mind, or soul is asking of you. Adjust as needed, spend less time or more time if your day demands that. And begin and end with a personal thank you and expression of gratitude for allowing yourself to commit to creating this space.

For those who want more guidance with learning how to explore connection through Rooted Rituals…

I will be leading a community talk on Monday, October 26th at 10:30 AM PST (1:30 PM EST) with Sacred Window Studies. In this talk we will explore the Creation of Rooted Rituals through connection:

• With One’s Self
• To and within your home
• With nature and the Earth
• With Your Community
• With Food + Nutrition
• With Rest
• And the exploration of Self Healing after Birth

You can sign up to join this talk here.

Book an appointment with Christine HERE!
Link for our free class is HERE!