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Daily Soul Retreat

 June 3, 2008

Daily Soul Retreat at SoulfulLiving.com

Vol. I, Issue 395 


Ritual as a Spiritual Practice
 by Barbara Biziou

 Barbara BiziouI have always been intrigued by the idea of cultivating an authentic spiritual practice. This longing has taken me around the world and has guided me to soaked up as much as I could from other cultures. I have participated in pujas, high masses, Buddhist empowerments and prayer circles of every faith. I discovered that the commonality in all is the cultivation of sacred space internally and externally.

My personal ritual is to sit quietly sipping a freshly brewed cup of tea while I watch the world unfold outside my window. My neighborhood is very quiet in the morning and I can feel a stillness in my city that rarely sleeps. I am blessed with a glorious view of the Empire State Building and I love watching the rising sun turn the sky and buildings shades of pink and gold. I have been told that the Empire State Building is a power point in our city...and I call on its powerful presence to imbue my life with passionate possibilities. Through this ritual I have developed a deeper relationship with nature’s cycles as I get to savor all of the seasonal colors that I experience from my view on the tenth floor.

As I breathe in the day, I center myself and light a candle on my altar. I burn copal to purify my space and sanctify it as holy. My meditation lasts around 30 minutes and gives me the nourishment that I need to be in right relationship with others and with the world. It helps me feel appreciation for my friends, family and for Spirit who has given me so much.

Next I mark the sacred passage into daytime by doing a divination with my tarot cards. I consistently receive messages that give me insight into the past and present. I then use this information as a jumping off place that allows me to expand on these ideas during the day.

I end my sacred ritual by setting my intention for the day. The more I clearly define my goals the easier it seems to be to attain them. I always include in my "to do" list a part for the Universe to play. I have found that the Universe is the best partner I could have in life...

>>> Continue Reading "Ritual as a Spiritual Practice"

© Copyright Barbara Biziou. This article was originally
published at our website, SoulfulLiving.com, in June-July
2004, as part of Soulful Living's "Spiritual Practice" Issue.

Click to View Our "Daily Soul Retreat" Newsletter Archive

 

"Creating a sacred ritual in the morning sustains me throughout the day and links me with my deeper wiser self. It gives me insight on what has heart and meaning in my life. My home transforms into the temple of the Goddess and I become her priestess. It gives me sanctuary and solace."
--Barbara Biziou 
 


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Today's Sponsor:
Tibetan Gifts at Mandala
 
Books by Barbara Biziou:

 

The Joys of Everyday Ritual

  

The Joy of Family Ritual
 


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