What is Mindfulness? The Ultimate Guide for Beginners
Gabrielle Mastronardo
August 24, 2024
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Ever feel like you’re just going through the motions, like a robot on autopilot? Trust me, I’ve been there. We all have these daily habits, but not all habits are created equal, it’s the simple difference between rituals vs routines.
Some habits tend to feed our soul and harness our intention and awareness, while others are just… well, mindless routines.
Let’s chat about the difference between rituals vs routines and why it this slight difference matters for living a more mindful and joyful life.
Rituals are like the little sprinkles of magic we add to our everyday lives. They’re not just things we do; they’re things we choose to do with intention and mindfulness.
Whether it’s savoring your morning matcha or having a weekly girl’s night with your besties, rituals are those special moments where we’re fully present and completely engaged.
Rituals are where mindfulness really shines. When you light a candle after a long day (hello, self-care!), you’re not just lighting a candle to light a candle. You’re setting the mood, creating a vibe, and telling the universe you’re ready to unwind. It’s those small, intentional acts that help you reconnect with yourself and be present in your day to day.
I know, I know, as much as I love them, not everyone’s a morning person. But I can’t stress enough how starting your day with a little morning ritual can make all the difference. You’ll start the day with a calm, balanced nervous system.
Whether it’s a quick yoga flow, sipping on your favorite herbal tea, making yourself a cacao, or journaling for a few minutes, morning rituals set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
And then there are evening rituals—your time to unwind and let go of the day’s chaos. Maybe it’s a warm bath with lavender oil, a skincare routine that makes you feel like a queen, or just curling up with a good book.
Whatever it is, evening rituals help you transition from go-go-go to ahhhh, let’s relax. It’s like giving yourself a hug at the end of the day.
Routines, on the other hand, are the things we do because we have to.
Things like, brushing your teeth, driving to work, meal prepping for the week. They’re necessary, sure, but they don’t always spark joy—they keep things running smoothly, but they don’t necessarily light up your soul or foster awareness.
The thing with routines is that they can get a little too… well, routine.
Ever find yourself halfway through a task and realize you weren’t even thinking about what you were doing? Yep, that’s a routine for you.
They’re efficient, but they can also make us feel like we’re just going through the motions. And who wants to live like that?
You’re probably thinking, well great now I know the difference between rituals vs routines, but how do I transform my mindless routines into rituals?
The first step in shifting from routine to ritual is all about intention. Instead of just going through the motions, ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing.
What’s the purpose behind it? By setting an intention, you’re giving even the most mundane tasks a deeper meaning.
Once you’ve set your intention, the next step is to be fully present. This means paying attention to what you’re doing, how it feels, and what it means to you.
Instead of rushing through your morning routine, try slowing down and savoring each moment. You can do this easier by tapping into your senses, feel the warmth of your coffee cup in your hands, enjoy the texture of your favorite face cream, or simply take a deep breath and appreciate smell of the start of a new day.
When you’re present, even the simplest tasks can become moments of mindfulness.
Another way to turn a routine into a ritual is by adding a personal touch. Make it special! Maybe you play your favorite playlist while cooking dinner, light a candle during your evening skincare routine, or take a moment to set a daily intention before you start work.
These little tweaks make the experience uniquely yours and something you’ll actually look forward to.
By changing your mindset from routine to ritual, you’ll find yourself stepping off that autopilot and stepping into a life filled with mindfulness, presence, and joy.
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