Finding Bliss And Peace Via Meaningful Rituals – Part 3
“Through the ceremony, the circle, people move through the inner worlds of Self and one another, connecting with thought, prayer and the sustenance of Presence of others.”
Jeanne Achterberg
When you find yourself struggling with some difficult aspect of life, consider what you might do that could become an event or activity which you would look forward to repeating on a similar occasion. Whatever you create has the power to give you hope, comfort and can contribute to greater harmony and balance in your life (all high vibrational energetic experiences which contribute to the release of healthy neuropeptides for your immune system). In other words, rituals have healing power.
For centuries, perhaps longer, cultures like yours have created rituals which are intended to provide necessary hope and intentional healing. The ceremonial circle is a perfect example of this.. The ritual of meeting in a circle has a sacredness or holiness associated with it. Native American Indians, and so many other cultures, have used the circle as a traditional form of communication, community and healing.
Healing ceremonies, as well as ceremonies for all aspects of life, occur in the circle. One of my favorite experiences is the talking stick ceremony which also occurs in the circle. As a participant receives the sacred stick which is passed from one to another, he or she has an opportunity to speak from the heart while each of the participants listens with his or her heart. And, of course, support groups, especially cancer support and bereavement groups, tend to meet in the circle – a place in which participants feel safe, comfortable and can anticipate a healing experience.
Through the process of trusting and feeling support, participants share and release their pain, enabling them to shift vibrationally and physiologically to a “feel-better” energetic and chemical state. Yes, the circle is an extraordinary and powerful healing tool offering community, understanding, hope and a sense of safe connection.
Each time I give a seminar, my first thought is about how I can best make everything meaningful happen within the circle. Somehow, when in a circle, we experience a greater sense of connection with one another, as well as with our own soul and with our divinity. We also experience a significant sense of cohesiveness, of belonging and of community. I always feel that in the circle the energy flows more effectively between people, as well as between our own being and our soul.
For example, my intuitive development class has always met in a circle and finished with the ritual of singing a beautiful, moving song while participants stand in a circle, holding hands and eyes closed. I can feel the loving energy flowing from one person to another, through me and back into the circle. Consequently, these experiences consistently leave me feeling uplifted and infused with needed energy and are a reminder of my connection with my Higher Self (that is to say, my soul ) and that I am really never alone.
Finding time to pray in your own unique style and in your own time frame becomes one of the most important ceremonial rituals you can incorporate into your life. Whether you build prayer into your life by going to church or synagogue on Sunday or any other day of the week, or you take time to pray in your own home or in any other location, the very act of involvement in this activity contributes to your feeling a sense of connection with something greater than yourself – and results in your sense of being protected, heard and loved.
You can build rituals of prayer into your life easily and effortlessly. I pray regularly in the car, over a lighted candle each morning, in the bath each evening, on Friday nights, saying prayers over the Sabbath candles, while I am on my daily walk and out in nature, and each time I hear of a loved one, friend, patient or neighbor who is in need of prayer. Prayer is portable and you can take it and do it everywhere – and on a regular basis. (To be continued.)
Susan Barbara Apollon
Author of “Touched By The Extraordinary”
©2009SusanBarbara Apollon
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