Introduction
As the buzz of the holiday season leaves us, with its fanfare and rampant consumerism, I find myself longing for tranquility. Perhaps, like me, you’re yearning to peel away from the artifice of manmade celebrations and find solace in the stillness of your being. So, here we are, choosing to ground ourselves amidst the chaos—to return to what truly matters.
You already know I’m not one for these holidays. Their foundations, both manmade and commercially constructed, don’t resonate with me. The undercurrents they ride on—expectation and consumption—don’t align with the landscape I try to nurture. So, together, let’s take a step back. Disengage, temporarily, from this collective fervor and, instead, create a refuge for the soul.
The Importance of Authenticity
Isn’t it curious how the end of one chapter and the beginning of another nudges us towards introspection? As we stand on the starting of a new year, it’s the perfect moment to ask ourselves: What are my core values? What do I hold dear? And beyond recognizing what we value, it’s crucial to ponder how we wish to manifest those values in the world—how we choose to represent ourselves and our truths.
Before we dive deeper, let’s set the intention to carve out a sacred space for grounding, right where you are. Perhaps it’s a corner of your room adorned with items that speak to your journey or a spot in nature where the earth’s whispers can be heard.
One of the most potent tools at our disposal is the power of intention. When we set clear intentions, we steer the subconscious energies—those invisible currents shaping our reality.
Grounding Beginnings
Let’s commence by envisioning a serene forest, a sanctuary where simplicity rules, and nature’s embrace is all-encompassing. When we distance ourselves from our natural environment, our alignment falters, and our well-being suffers.
Despite the cacophony of the world, which, at times, not even the densest foliage can muffle, nature provides the grounding we need. Immersing ourselves in the crisp, winter air is not merely a delight but a necessity, fortifying our resilience.
Healing Through Harmony
As we sync with the natural world, let us address the fragmentation within. Many facets of our identities, shaped by expectations, fears, and societal constructs, often disconnect us from our essence. The goal? To integrate these splintered selves and reside in a state of wholeness and authenticity.
Turn inwards. Acknowledge the yearning for connection, affection, and recognition—and most importantly, be the provider of these to yourself. In your solitude and introspection, rediscover the purity of self-love.
Self-love is a state of appreciation for oneself that grows from actions that support our physical, psychological and spiritual growth. It’s about having a high regard for your own well-being and happiness, and taking care of your own needs without sacrificing your well-being to please others ².
It is not an act of selfishness, but rather an act of kindness towards others because when you love yourself, others don’t have to deal with your unresolved problems ².
Self-love comprises four aspects: self-awareness, self-worth, self-esteem, and self-care ².
Cultivating self-love has many evidence-based benefits such as better mental health, more self-acceptance, higher self-esteem, more motivation, stronger determination, increased self-awareness, less anxiety, and better sleep ¹. Fundamentally, self-love is mostly about managing our inner critic so we can develop a more nuanced view of our failures, and appreciate all our effort and personal growth in a kind, loving, and respectful way towards ourselves ¹.
Sources:
(1) Self-Love | Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-upside-things/201911/self-love.
(2) The science of self-love: the evidence-based benefits of loving yourself. https://nesslabs.com/self-love.
(3) Self-Love and What It Means – Brain & Behavior Research Foundation. https://bbrfoundation.org/blog/self-love-and-what-it-means.
(4) What is Self-Love and Why Is It So Important? – Psych Central. https://psychcentral.com/blog/imperfect/2019/05/what-is-self-love-and-why-is-it-so-important.
Chakra Cleansing Ritual
I would highly recommend you do this exercise in the outdoors and specially out of the city, preferably in the forest. Assuming that you are, or if you’re not you can imagine this scenario, with the verdant energy of the forest as our ally, we will undertake a cleansing of the chakra system. If time is elusive, worry not; this practice awaits your return whenever you’re ready.
Get comfortable, feel the earth’s robust energy—it’s positively buzzing. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and imagine a protective sphere encircling you.
Connecting with the Earth’s Core
Visualize a golden cord anchoring you to the earth’s heart. Now pull up a potent gold energy to kickstart the healing. Starting from the root chakra, visualize its rapid spin, flinging off any stagnancy that lingers.
Every chakra—a vortex disc of light, integral to your spiritual anatomy—demands our attention. Intuit their condition and breathe in balance, clarity, and vitality.
Imagine a wheel at your crown chakra, demarcated by the aspects of life you treasure—career, relationships, abundance, love, health, joy, balance, integrity, clarity, and purpose. Infuse each segment with your chosen color, representative of your highest vibration. Take as much time as you need and don’t forget to breathe deeply in and out throughout.
Aligning Your Intentions
With the wheel of manifestation etched into your consciousness, take in a deep breath, and as you exhale, connect even deeper. The nurturing gold of the earth, now interfused with your spiritual being, working its magic. It is cleansing, balancing, and revitalizing your chakras, one by one.
Integration for Transformation
Our healing culminates in an alignment stretching beyond our bodies—up through our expanded chakra system, reaching towards the cosmos. Let us embrace the integration of our higher selves, transforming our perspective for the Now and for the future.
Take your time to sit in silence, appreciating the sounds and scent of the forest, perhaps with deers as companions in your visualization. Release all that does not serve you. Feel the stillness. Let the gold energy envelop you, bringing tranquility to your core. Bask in this moment, breathe and let the energies of the forest envelop you while you absorb them.
Savor this moment of serenity as we re-ground ourselves. When ready, gently tether back to the present, carrying the intention for a week imbued with purpose, clarity, and authenticity.
Remember, this is but one path to grounding—yours may differ, and that’s the beauty of our unique journeys. May your days be filled with the essence of your truest self, and nature be your compass through the holiday aftermath, relationships, and beyond.
Hi, I’m Holly Celestine and I am a Licensed Vibrational Sound Therapy Practitioner on a mission to liberate and activate your highest human potential. In pursuit of avenues that bring the entire body into balance and harmony, I found that sound, vibration and frequency play a vital role in the symbiotic connection to our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In addition to being a Licensed Vibrational Sound Therapy Practitioner, I’m certified in Biofield Tuning, Voice Analysis, Massage Therapy, Usui Reiki Master, and Bodytalk.
I use vibrational sound therapy for targeted nervous system relaxation to help people feel relief from their debilitating stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. I’m a life-long learner, ever evolving and consciously expanding into my best self, tuning into wholeness and balanced vibrations! Connect with me to amplify your highest expression using Sound Therapy.
In my Universal Harmony studio, you can experience how the sound combination of the gong, singing bowl and chimes create harmonic resonance that enhances and revitalizes your energy. By focusing on each of the seven chakras, the experience helps you connect more deeply with yourself and to Source energy. I often play uplifting tunes as participants surround themselves in beautiful instruments. Whether you’re looking for a partner, a group or to enjoy life fully as a single, these sessions provides enhanced awareness that impacts body, mind and spirit.
For a personalized session, you can schedule your appointment with me here.
