Monday, March 11, 2013

Rituals...So Peaceful

A few months ago one of my creative friends explained how someone she knows made an intention candle to light before she creates.  She actually bought one of those really tall, skinny glass candles you can buy at the grocery store by the Mexican food area.  I loved that idea, but I keep forgetting to look for one of those candles to decorate and make it my own. However, I did decide to just buy a pretty candle with a smell I could handle and try to be consistent and consciously light it before each time I sit down to paint.  It's weird how when I just paused to light a candle and said a little something while I did it, it really calmed me.
 I've said things like:  help me create and just enjoy myself; help me create something that may bring joy to someone else; help me create just for fun without worrying if what I make will sell; help me be free and loose when I paint today...

I haven't been 100% consistent with remembering to light it or to set an intention and I plan to work on that especially after reading an article in the magazine Natural Health last night.  It says that rituals work because "they move people into mental states of surrender, gratitude and asking for help."  Rituals are seen as healing as well which I love the thought of that because of having lupus and feeling out of control with it sometimes. They are also powerful because they "rely heavily on establishing bonds" whether with a community or with a higher being someone may believe is out there helping them.  The author says there are four things that help create these meaningful rituals:

  •   have a clear intention...maybe even a question you have
  •  actually state your intention out loud--literally giving your purpose a voice involves your whole  self when said out loud
  • make it tangible for example, lighting a candle, burning a piece of paper with something you want to let go of 
  • give thanks and surrender 

I love this last one because it seems to make the ritual soothing and an attitude that things are out of my hands and what's best for me will happen.  Also, I'm learning that surrender is much better than clenching and grabbing.


So I'm going to keep lighting my candle and have an honest intention and hopefully it will help me relax and surrender some of my worries to "someone" else.

Do you have any rituals that you practice regularly?  I'd love to hear them or how they feel in your life.

15 comments:

  1. You know I love this Jill!!! ;) I think when you light a candle and hold an intention in you heart it is a powerful practice. The light can illuminate your space and your heart! Beautiful post!

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    1. I like that Sofia "light can illuminate your space and your heart" - what a beautiful thought. You are inspiring me so much lately-thank you.

      Jill

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  2. You have explained this so well Jill. To set aside a small amount of time to create the atmosphere in order to unleash your creativity. A wonderful, thouhgtful and oh so simple ritual. I will have to try it too.

    I love your blog. It feels so warm and breezy here and full of my favorite colors too.

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    1. Oh Linda, thanks so much! Even though I'm writing things that are important to me, I do hope that I'm sharing some hope and inspiration with you all too.

      Jill

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  3. I do this myself, Jill. Candles are inexpensive, and even when they aren't "turned on" they brighten a space because they are a symbol of a sacredness we create and hold the memories of the times in the past when we have chosen mindfulness.

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    1. Rachel - I think I got the idea from you--another fly sister told me how you have made intention candles (correct me if I'm wrong!). But yes, they are sacred and help me slow down and feel a different sense of calm.

      Jill

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  4. Jill,
    YOU have inspired me to start my own ritual! Matter of fact, I had just picked up a couple of candles that I was kind of fretting over what I was going to do with them, now I know! I also LOVE the idea of stating your intention as you light it! It has made me excited for getting back into the studio and seeing what flows effortlessly out onto my canvas!!

    Thank you for the great idea!! ;-)
    ~Christina

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    1. Hi Christina,

      I'm glad you're going to start your own ritual as well--it can only be a good thing, right? :)

      Jill

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  5. Lovely post Jill. I love lighting a candle too... or working with the power of some sacred plant smoke incense like Palo Santo to shift me into that space of being an open channel.

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    1. Hi Cat,

      I've never done the incense thing, but I've heard it recommended in many books I have read...maybe that's something I'll have to try. I went to a Catholic school for 8 years so I can only remember smelling incense on the day their were funerals, so as a kid it didn't give good images, you know?

      Jill

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  6. This is great, Jill. I never really thought about it, but I do want to create art with meaning. Saying a prayer first would be a great way to start an art day. :) Thanks! Right now all I do is turn up the music and dance a little to loosen up. Flora Bowley talked about doing that. I thought it was kind of silly at first but now find it really helpful.

    xoxxo L

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    1. Hi Lori,

      I know you already make art with a meaning, so just making a little intention might make it seem more "official" - who knows? I do agree that dancing does loosen you up--Flora had us do yoga and some other fun physical activity when I met her in person for her retreat. I often get stiff and forget to do that!

      Jill

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  7. Jill, This is such a great idea! Just found your blog through your comment on True Free Spirit. I love your art work!!!
    Take care, Cindy

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    1. Hi Cindy! Thanks for stopping by! I'm glad you replied to this post because I'm painting and I actually forgot to light my candle and state my intention--thanks!

      Jill

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  8. Absolutely LOVE this idea, my new friend!! I am stopping over after seeing your sweet bird on Brave Girls today (congratulations!!!), and I am so glad I did! I absolutely love the idea of lighting a candle before creating, and think I have to incorporate that into my life. I can't really think of a particular ritual I follow, other than cleaning my art table. I have to start with a clean slate, so to speak, before I can begin a new project. So nice to meet you, and congrats again on your brave girl appearance!

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