Cerridwen Greenleaf, author of The Witch’s Guide to Ritual, wrote a new blog post on finding unique ways to find Zen.
After I graduated from college, I had one of those experiences we all must endure in our twenties: a bad breakup. I was somewhat of a zombie but my best friend was of a more practical bent and was studying Zen Buddhism. She placed a broom in my hand and suggested I “stop thinking about anything but doing the best possible job sweeping the floor.” I took her advice and even swept the sidewalks once I was done with the small cottage we lived in. Sweeping did bring about a stillness inside me, which was a relief after all the turmoil, I was still hurting but simplicity of the chores engendered quietude. I have a few brooms, including symbolic besoms, and one is always right outside the back door and ready for the simple ritual of sweeping. Grab your broom and say aloud as you get started:
No storm outside, no storm within,
With every stroke and every step,
I feel more peace and quiet inside me.
And so it is. Blessed be me.
I have had times where I needed to sweep every floor and even the lawn outside but it immensely meditative and I encourage you to also find your Zen
The Witch’s guide to ritual
Spells, Incantations and Inspired Ideas for an Enchanted Life
Practice Sacred Living. Rituals are often performed to acknowledge special, sacred moments of life. When we align ourselves with the rhythms of the earth, we see that every day is sacred. Sacred living is the art of acknowledging the abundance of life and the deep meaning within natural rhythms. The Witch’s Guide to Ritual teaches the practice of daily rituals for self-care and personal growth.