Releasing the Past
Rituals for closure.Experiencing a break-up, separation, or divorce can drain your energy when you need to resource yourself to make wise decisions to move on. If you find yourself feeling the tug of the past, regret, blame, or a trauma bond, creating a cord-cutting ritual can be a powerful way to sever ties with someone or with a situation that’s holding you back and keeping you stuck.
“The resistance to the unpleasant situation is the root of suffering.”― Ram Dass
If you feel open to exploring this, begin by inviting yourself to ground in whatever way feels settling for you, bringing you in contact with the present moment. Next, bring awareness to whatever is causing suffering. Allow yourself to witness the emotion for a few minutes and notice where you experience activation in your body. Be with it gently. Get curious about how this energy wants to move and allow it to move in any way it organically wants. Afterward, notice if you feel open to creating a ritual to transmute the story and the charge behind it.
Here are 3 powerful ways to demonstrate your willingness to let go. May they inspire you to create a ritual that is unique to you.
1. Write down everything you want to release that keeps you identified with the past and makes it difficult to move on. Then, when you feel ready, burn the list or tear it into pieces, symbolically releasing it all. You may wish to speak your intention to release aloud.
2. Create a cleansing bath to release whatever is causing tension and clear your energy. Fill your bathtub with warm water and add Epsom salts, rose petals, an herb sachet, or essential oils. As you soak, visualize yourself releasing all of what’s painful, heavy, and causing constriction. When you feel complete, drain the water and visualize it all being washed away. If there are words that affirm your intention, feel free to speak them.
3. Create a new beginning ritual. Curate a Pinterest board, start a new hobby, redecorate a room in your home, get a new haircut/color/tattoo, or gift yourself a meaningful piece of jewelry. Mark the end of one chapter and the beginning of a new one. This ritual can be as simple or elaborate as you’d like. Invite playful energy to emerge.
When the ritual is complete, check in with your body again. What do you notice now?
Cord-cutting rituals can be healing and offer new energy and perspective. By intentionally releasing that which is causing suffering, cleansing your energy, and marking your new beginning, you can start to let go of the past and lean into a lighter, more aligned future. Remember, healing is a journey that takes time and self-compassion. You’re worth it.
The imagery in each cord-cutting ritual tells a powerful story that often evokes emotion. If you’d like to experience this ritual with support, reach out to explore if coaching with me feels like your next step.