Transitions from one status, one location, one activity, and one mind-set to another deserve proper care and attention. We see ceremony used in these transitions among all cultures, in the form of weddings, funerals, bar/bat mitzvahs, quinceaneras, baptisms, confirmations, birthdays, housewarmings, and retirement and promotion celebrations. These are big observances for big changes, and most of us still take the time to acknowledge these transitional ceremonies, though even some of these have fallen away in our modern culture. 

However, those are not the transitions I am concerned with here, worthy and deserving though they are; I am thinking today of transitions we build into our daily lives. The boundaries of our lives have changed, been erased, and ceased to function in ways that demand we consciously build solid foundations and structures in our lives. Now that we can receive phone calls and emails any time, place, or situation, or have one’s, potentially embarrassing or incriminating, photo posted online without our knowledge or permission, creating boundaries in life can be both a challenge and a real relief, making us feel safer, more settled, and at the same time more in touch with ourselves and whatever divine energy flows through us. Here are a few examples of what I mean: 

Have a quiet morning ritual. Before you start planning your day and rushing off less-than-half-present, complete a reboot; reconnect with your inner self, your intentions, your goals, the things that are important to you, and how you feel in your body. After the immediate necessities - toilet, possibly shower, teeth and face, enjoy a few minutes of silence and notice how you’re feeling. Do you have soreness or a desire to move? How can you make yourself more comfortable in your body? Work out the kinks to your heart’s desire. Dance if you want, but make it a time of connection with and service to the body, not subjugation of it or sculpting it into a more acceptable form. Then, sit quietly, visualize your perfect day, remind yourself of the person you strive to be, see where you really are in relation to your goals (so that you can set your subconscious to work figuring out how best to achieve them, from where you really are), meditate in whatever way you choose, or spend time listening to your thoughts, refuting every negative thought you have about yourself and any other negative thoughts with an equal and opposite thought - pratipaksha bhvana, a combination of Jedi mind control and genuine spiritual warfare. 

Pause before eating. Feel (or speak) gratitude for your food. Smell it. Give it your full attention. No cell phones and find as mentally and physically quiet a location as you can manage. Not only will you feel more satisfied and nourished by your food, you will actually be more nourished by your food. Eating in a settled and more or less quiet and intentional way actually improves your absorption of nutrients. Additionally, it seems likely that, when we pay attention to what we are eating, we make better food choices for ourselves. 

Take a few minutes for yourself when you get home from work. Sit in your car, lie in your room, take a bath, whatever. Find a quiet place in your mind for a few minutes or daydream about being on a beach. Then, consciously move your thoughts from work life to home life. Plan for the time ahead: your errands, dinner plans, bedtimes, what few minutes you can carve to connect with your family and how best to spend them. It may not always be possible to completely disconnect from work once we’re home, but having a plan, at least, makes it easier to be present with our families as much as possible. 

Take a few minutes to get ready for bed and be consistent in your routine as much as possible. Have your evening ritual. Make your ritual as enjoyable as possible, and be loving towards your body. Wash your face gently, in a way that feels nice, not hastily as if it’s the kitchen counter. Take loving care of your teeth, not painful, but thorough. Drink something warm. Put lotion on the parts that need it. Dress or undress for bed. I enjoy getting into a bed that is made, so sometimes I make my bed ( ;-) but not always). Read some uplifting, non-work book if you like or put on pleasant music, sounds, or noise (of whatever hue). If you feel the urge, combine your routine with mantra repetition, chanting, thoughts of gratitude, affirmations, prayer, or other spiritual practices. (How’s this for a nice transition? My husband tucks me in to say good night, every night, and I love it!) 

You may want to find other places, times, or ways to re-organize your life and create more space to feel your being-ness. These little resets throughout the day will make you feel grounded, loved, ready for the next part of the day, more satisfied in your personal interactions, and more in control. Customize them so that you can feel joy rather than relying on pure self-discipline; put the medicine in syrup for yourself. 

Often, for me, this means chanting, out loud or in my head. For years, long before I realized what a blessing it is to me, chanting was my refuge when I felt out of control. Even in less formal ways, I indulge (Yes, I meant to say “indulge.”) in chant as my reset button and my safety zone. Sometimes, it comes to me to relieve me from my thoughts, and it always is a relief, whether the thoughts are pleasant or unpleasant. While chant is not the only way I process transitions, there are some mantras I use specifically in certain situations: before meals, at times I feel less than loving towards myself or others, in preparation for or conclusion of meditation, et cetera. Why is chant what I do? Because I love music, and I love to sing, and I choose to make my spiritual life pleasant, healing, and wonderful for myself, as well as something I can share with others, and I encourage you to do the same.