My Fave Sacred Practices
I feel that after my ‘hello, I’m back’ entry, I need to share and step straight into Sacred Practice. This year I’m holding a vision for my role at The Carly Effect, is to have more and more people practicing in their own Sacred way every day.
So what better way to start than to share 3 of my fave Sacred Practices right now. At least one or two of these Practices I do every day. Sometimes all three, time permitting. Sometimes all together and other times I step into each Practice throughout the day. The beauty of this being your own Practice, is you choose what works for you in that moment.
No1: Has to be my Cacao Practice: This for me is a daily Practice of devotion and an honouring of my Sacred Self. I hold my intention as I’m making my Cacao every day, with every stir in the saucepan I’m holding my intention in my minds eye and heart. Then I pick up the warmed mug, I hold it with both hands, small the fragrance of rose and cinnamon, I close my eyes and take my first sip. Savouring it and recognising more flavours. Sometimes I whisper into my Cacao what it is I dream of, healing that I perhaps need or simply my intention.
Nothing about this practice is completed on auto-pilot & I think thats what my Cacao practice has taught me. Move through each step with intention. Even standing with both feet on my kitchen floor is an intendional part of the making of the Cacao. I’ve adopted this intentional Practice into other aspects of my daily life. Lighting incense for example, or choosing music for work, or making my breakfast. There are so many small, minuscule ways you can bring intention into what you’re doing. Side note: if Cacao is not your vibe, you can absolutely do this with making a cup of tea or coffee, even your smoothie. My invitation is to start here and from there see where this Practice of Intention and meaning on the daily can take you.
No2: Journalling: Okay for those of you that have followed me for a while, or been in my life know, I have never been much of a journal-er. I’ve been to circles, retreats, breathwork sessions and have never written a word. Until there came a point last year, where I was in a shit show of a personal situation, really struggling with my emotions, and found myself keeping thoughts and feelings in. Because I didn’t want to hear myself say out loud what was really happening deep down for me.
I started with pulling some oracle cards and writing about what the cards drew out of me. Often it would lead to more being written. I then started to ask myself: What is on my heart today.. and from there more spilled out of me onto the page. Then in September, I think it was, I decided to set myself a little challenge, to journal for 30 days. I actually googled journalling challenges and found a 30 day journal prompt challenge. And you know what.. I stuck to it.
I set my intention of doing that Practice every day, after my morning walk, whilst sipping cacao, sometimes at night before bed. I really enjoyed it. And it was super simple, the questions weren’t hugely thought provoking, which was a really nice place to start. Now more than 6 months later I’m stepping into the Practice even more. Probably more too, because of the Reiki Training I completed, where we were encouraged to write for 10minutes straight. I still go back and do that. Practice: I put on my fave playlist, pop 10minutes on the timer. and write. Write whatever comes from the heart and mind.. and keep writing.. even if it’s ‘I don’t know what to write’ I just keep writing and asking myself what is on my heart right now.
No3: Prayer Hands Behind Back Pose + Meditation: This one I’ve been working with for some time. It began because I’ve always struggled with some back pain, and rounding of my shoulders. So this started from a yoga class, and has now turned into almost a daily practice for me. Sometimes I meditate with a guided meditation, whilst holding the pose, other times I bring my intention in, sometimes my thoughts run wild.. and I have to bring my mind back to my intentions. It’s all a Practice.
It’s important to share that when I first started my hands couldn’t meet behind my back, and so I would just hold my opposite forearms, then opposite wrist’s. The more I Practiced, the closer the palms of my hands got to each other. Now I can hold the pose for upwards of 10 minutes. Holding your hands in this way is known as Anjali Mudra. Mudra’s are essentially yoga with your hands. Holding intentions through hand gestures/Mudras is another great way to connect with what you’re wanting to bring into your life. More on Mudras another time.
“Anjali mudra is a gesture of honouring, reverence, and loving connection. We can direct it toward others, as in greeting someone with Namaste But we can also direct the energy of Anjali mudra toward ourselves. In this way it becomes a simple practice of self-honouring.”
From Barrie Risman.
I just love how each of these Practices have reached me in my life, and how they’ve been a catalyst for loving change. All stemming from a place of curiosity and intention.
What about you? Are there any practices that you’re enjoying working with? Are the any of the Practices you’ve seen me work with that you’d like to know more about. Comment below, or reach out to me on socials.
And if you’re keen to try some Cacao head to my Online Sacred Self Store: