I’m posting this ritual up now as I have had some pretty powerful experiences with it recently. It’s a 2017 snapshot of my current releasing practice because this ritual is in constant evolution. it started small and was directly inspired by some practices I learnt during an incredible online circle held by Lisa Lister and some journalling prompts taken from Michelle Bartolo’s yogic way of life. Its been added to from conversations with the awesome Pip King and includes inspiration from a hundred plus amanae (emotional release work) sessions and sprinkled with my own intuitive inputs. In 2018 it may look radically different and it’s definitely not a ‘do it this way or not at all’ guide. Its a starter for 10, a framework to freestyle from. It’s all yours to do with as you will.

Get Ready to Release… Look Back to Look Forward

But why look back at all?
Well, for me it’s a way of acknowledging what has happened, being grateful for it in some measure, seeing it with new eyes (so learning that perspective is not static) and most importantly releasing any impressions/stuckness/heavyness/ties that you might have to the story.

And when should I do it?
Really you can do this practice whenever you feel like it but I like year end, birthdays, full and new moons and life-chapter endings as good moments to review, take stock and release.

So how might I do it?
It’s a personal practice so listen to your own ideas but if you need a structure, here is a ritual I am currently working with.

1) Create a nice space: think candles, warm blankets, nice smells, any symbols/totems you like, no phone, no distractions.

2) Be clean: Wash yourself and the space, make sure blankets and pillows are clean and the dust bunnies are in the bin.

3) Refresh: Make a cup of tea/cacao or pour a glass of water or even wine

4) Breathe: Deeply in and out three times to begin, mindfully through the practice and again three times in and out deeply at the end.

5) Be comfortable: sit, lay down, lounge, you may be some time so really make sure you are comfy and warm.

6) Write a letter: with a pen you love on recycled paper to the thing you are reflecting on. The year, the month, the end of exams, the end of a job, the house you are leaving, the relationship you are in, the project you are finishing or the one you are scared to begin.

7) Be honest: and know that no-one will read this except you so really go there. Go in all directions, the things you love, the things you hate, your fears, your memories, your laughter, your thoughts, the silliness, the seriousness, the dark dark dark and the light that shines through it all. Write from your heart, your belly, your head and your hands. But do NOT stop writing until you have squeezed it all out. Breathe and take breaks yes, move and sway to unstick things, and let what needs to come up, come up and be seen. Contradict yourself, make no sense, be profound, be as shallow as f*ck, be raw and soft and everything in between but don’t stop till you are done. And when you are sure you are done, put the pen down and take a drink.

8) Re-read it: Read the whole thing back to yourself. Don’t edit it, just listen to what you have said without judgement. And as you read continue to allow any emotions, sounds, shouts, shakes, thoughts to come up. Allow movement too if you find that helpful, sway the hips, stomp the feet, shake it like a polaroid picture, dance, or sit and rock like a crazy if that feels right to you. No-one is watching and its just for you.

9) Prepare to let go: Fold the letter mindfully with all your attention and compassion for the words you have given space to And put it in an envelope.

10) Burn baby burn: Make fire! A roaring one in a victorian fireplace, a wild one outside or a candle on the balcony are equally good options. And burn the letter. And watch it burn. And relight it if it goes out. And watch it burn. Until the end.

Then sit or lay down comfortably until you feel the process is complete. Trust yourself, you will know.

And then breathe deeply three times, ohmmmm if you feel so inclined and then drop the mic

Cat xx

And if you feel so inclined you can share how you get on over on my instagram or facebook page.