DAILY RITUALS: Elevating the self + wellbeing for Wedding Creatives

WELLBEING

8 May

In the whirlwind world of wedding service providers and creatives, it's all too easy to get swept away by the demands of our craft and the relentless pace of our industry. However, amidst the chaos, there lies an opportunity to cultivate rituals that not only enhance our productivity but also nurture our self-esteem and well-being.

`At Moonlit, we understand the importance of finding moments of stillness and intentionality in our daily lives. By incorporating simple yet meaningful rituals into our routines, we can create a sense of purpose, balance, and fulfilment that transcends the hustle and bustle of our profession.`

Here are some tips for wedding creatives to create everyday rituals that foster productivity and self-esteem:

○ MORNING RITUALS

( Start your day with a moment of mindfulness )

Set aside a few minutes each morning to centre yourself. I don’t mean meditation, breathwork or yoga, because let’s face it, its just not realistic. I mean creating ritual through everyday routine. For me, it’s the time spent doing my skincare. Rather than rushing through it, I take my time, indulge in each product and it’s properties, noticing how they feel on my skin, how they smell, focusing on all the good I am bringing to my skin. I have a glass of water with me and prioritise finishing it by the time i’m done. Starting my day like that is so therapeutic and calming, transforming it into a ritual, rather than a mundane daily task.

Take your first coffee or hot drink for example. Are you mindlessly making it and just drinking it because you think you need it? Instead, try slowing down, setting time aside to really feel the benefits of why you’re doing what you’re doing. How does it make you feel? Do you have a favourite sun trap you can sit in and bask in the delights whilst drinking it? Will it be more magical to save it for after the school run?

It’s about putting more thought into these daily routines that can really help amplify our lives. This is what being mindful means for me, taking note of your senses, and not doing things just for the sake of it.

`Brand photography for LAEVA - units of wellbeing. I cannot recommend LaEva enough. Their artful products and evocative fragrance range speak to every sense of the body, mind and soul. For moments of pure luxury. Drawing from the earth elements of simplicity and beauty. Defining wellbeing. Connected, transporting and universal. To live slowly.`

○ CREATIVE VISUALISATION + DAILY AFFIRMATIONS

( Take time each morning to visualise your goals and set your intentions for the day )

This is one I need to work on more myself, but it definitely has such an impact. Being self employed can be lonely, whether you are aware of those feelings or not - we are often stuck in our own heads for very long periods of time. The voice inside our heads can be the only one we hear. So when we are scrolling through social media, comparing ourselves relentlessly, self doubt can take its nasty grip, far too strongly, causing detriment to our creativity and presence.

Now I know it may sound crazy and feel weird to start with, but this is all a part of manifesting your dream life. - Picture yourself accomplishing your tasks with ease and confidence, getting new enquiries and booking those dream jobs. By visualising success and believing you already have it, you can increase your motivation and self-belief, leading to greater productivity and fulfilment in your work. Set your intentions, what do you want to achieve this week, stay focused, how can you make it happen? Invite that abundance into your life.

I like to (try) and do this once a week, when I make a cup of cacao, turning it into an immersive experience. Afterwards, I feel alive, my heart centre and creativity opened, ready to receive. To begin my cacao ceremony, I:

Put on inspiring music - THE HIGH PRIESTESS PLAYLIST
Light candle and cleanse area, tools and ingredients with palo santo or sage.
During the stirring phase, I set my intentions. I remind myself of who I am, who I want to be, I thank the earth, mama cacao and the elements.
If words and ideas flow to me, I write them down afterwards.

You can repeat positive affirmations such as "I am capable and creative," "I am deserving of success," or "I am making a positive impact in the lives of others." By affirming your worth and abilities, you can boost your self-esteem and cultivate a mindset of abundance and possibility. Do what feels right to you, what is comfortable and not so, just let whatever comes to you to flow through you.

You don’t have to do it this way, as it may not feel natural to you, but you get the idea! Even visualising and affirming on a drive to a job can be a great focus - get into it, turn the drive into an inspiring practice of positivity!

**The Queen of Cacao**

Nina Of Woodstock is the go to Goddess for all of your cacao needs. Visit her pages to purchase organic cacao, for inspiration and to learn about her offerings:

@ninaofwoodstock
www.ninaofwoodstock.co.uk ( COMING SOON )

○ MINDFUL BREAKS

( Take regular breaks throughout the day and between jobs to recharge and refocus )

Photographers, i’m talking directly to you here hahah, I know the editing game can be all consuming. hours. on. end. tweaks. -1. +3. edits showing differently between desktop and mobile. Before you know it, 2 whole days have passed and you’ve not eaten, drunk or even been to the loo.

Who me?

Remember to step away from your work. To indulge in a brief mindfulness practice, such as a walk in nature, a few minutes of stretching, or a calming cup of tea. These moments of mindfulness can help alleviate stress, enhance creativity, and improve overall wellbeing. You will come back to your work with more clarity.

Another key thing is to not over book yourself. I see it all the time, whether this be too many jobs or social commitments, I urge you to really look at your pricing structures, your diary and realise how precious your time and wellbeing actually is. Start creating the life you really want, NOW. Sustainability is everything.

- Running around like a blue arse fly is not the one.

○ REFLECTIVE JOURNALING

( End your week with a reflective journaling practice )

Take a few minutes to journal about your accomplishments, challenges, and gratitude for the week. Reflecting on your experiences can help you gain perspective, celebrate your progress, and identify areas for growth. I like to start this ritual off with a tarot or oracle card reading. It helps me tap into the subconscious mind and connect to my intuition, giving me the guidance and push I need for the week ahead. Let me know if you need any deck recommendations!