I have recently come up with a simple but fun way of reminding myself what I need to focus on every month to ensure that I keep up with my own self-care and personal development. As a healer myself, we often get caught up in the lives of others, forgetting that we also need to be kinder with ourselves.
At the beginning of every new month, I set aside some quiet time, burn some incense, light the candles and get out my journal. For five minutes, I use my sound bowl to align my energies and cleanse the air around me. Then, I write down the name of the month I am reflecting on in my journal.
As I look at the month ahead, I tune into all the aspects of that month and ask myself the following questions:
What season is the month in?
Are there any special dates in that month e.g. birthdays, anniversaries, celebration days?
Is it going to be a busy month or is it a holiday month?
Which days can I claim for myself?
What emotions can I look out for in the month?
When are the Full and New Moons?
Here is how my November month looks like😊
I can expect gloriously hot days, early sunrises, beautiful sunsets as we continue with summer. As long as the rain gods smile down on us, I can look forward to late afternoon thunder storms and perhaps, if I am really lucky, gentle rains throughout a night.
November is a quiet month as far as special dates go! Although I did get married, once upon a time, many eons ago, on a November day. While that marriage may not have survived, I still remember the day with fond memories.
November is part of the crazy, end-of-year rush and many of my clients are getting caught up in life! So, while my November month is full with appointments, I do expect postponements. I also have important medical check-ups that fall in November – all part of my self-care practice.
Every Sunday is my day! Yay! I get to read my favourite books, bake bread, spend time with my partner, get together with friends……the list goes on. I will also have some Monday evenings free.
November is a pretty neutral month for me although I can expect to feel frustrated with clients’ changing dates all the time, work pace picking up with the frantic “end-of-year” energies and apprehension as families start asking us what we are doing for Christmas! I must also watch out for feelings of overwhelm and general fatigue.
Full Moon is on the 12th November and New Moon is on the 26th November. Release during Full Month, bring in the new during the New Moon.
I then start a new page in my journal and write the name of the month down the left-side of the page, leaving a few lines between each letter. Using the letters to guide me, I then come up with actions I can take during the month to ensure my own self-care and ongoing personal development. This is the fun part!
N – Nature. Make sure I spend as much time as possible in nature so that I can remain grounded and calm.
O – Opportunities. Keep my eyes open for opportunities. They come in the least expected ways!
V – Vitality. This is especially important to maintain as I start to get caught up in the whirlwind of the “end-of-year” craziness. Keep up with my early morning walks and do my yoga. Make sure I include lots of vegetables and fruits in my diet.
E – Emotions. Be consciously aware of emotions as they surface. Show love to myself and others. Be kind to myself.
M – Massage. Treat myself to a massage😊
B – Beauty. Keep on being grateful for all that surrounds me. Be aware of the beauty that is in my own environment. There is so much of it around. Embrace it.
E – Energies. Be aware of the “end-of-year madness” and don’t let the energies of this hectic period affect my own sanity! Always, always be extra-gentle with myself around Full Moon.
R – Release. Make a conscious effort to release all that is holding me back.
Once I have completed this little ritual, I give thanks to Great Spirit for supporting me and guiding me. I express my gratitude for another month to explore and have fun with.
Each day, every month, brings a new little life to live. While it may seem like I am “forecasting” my month ahead, what I am actually doing is empowering myself to live the month ahead with love, abundance and gratitude. I am giving myself a “head start” so that I can live my days responsibly and not reactively. I am ensuring that, while life still happens, I am giving myself the best chance of creating and living the life I want to live. This monthly ritual is just another proactive step towards the vision I am creating for myself. What rituals can you put in place to help you towards the life you want to live?