DAY 4

Day 4 is where we get to start to design when and where you want to perform your ritual. Having a specific place and space can help you stay consistent.

It helps break down any analysis paralysis that might happen in the mind, and gives you clarity of when and where to perform your ritual. It’s like knowing what aisle in the supermarket you want to go to and not get distracted or overwhelmed by all of the options and shinny products.

It’s so fun to see how creative people get because everyone’s spaces and lives are so different and beautifully unique. Some Centered in the City members do their meditation in the parking lot before they go into work. Others have a specific area of their bedroom or nook in their house they love because it has the right vibe. 

Part of the science of building habits is thinking about a technique called Habit Stacking.

Now I personally don’t love the word ‘habit’ because it feels like I am on autopilot. However, we will use this scientifically proven method to support you in building a sustainable and consistent ritual.

Habit stacking refers to building a new practice in relationship to a practice you are already consistent with. For instance, making coffee in the morning. 

Follow the steps below in your journal to design your ritual:

Step 1. Think about what time of day you want to commit to your practice. What’s going to best fit in your typical and ideal schedule. Is it the morning? Lunch time? After work? Before bed?

Step 2. Think about a cue that gets to be your reminder trigger to perform your ritual. You want to stack this new ritual to a practice you are already consistent with. For example, in the morning after I brush my teeth; after my last meeting of the day; in the evening after my kids go to bed; after I made my evening cup of tea, etc.

Step 3. Pick your space. Think about where you want to perform this ritual. Where in your home/car/office, etc. do you see yourself wanting to create a special designated place? (ex. your bedroom, your couch, a special chair, corner of your office, etc). This gets to be your sacred space, so think about what feels good, exciting, welcoming, inspiring and realistic. 

Share with us in the comments below the space and place you’ve picked.