The Power of Rituals
We’re almost two weeks into the New Year, which means (efforts for) resolutions and clean slates are in full swing. Whether it’s to eat healthier, get in shape, or lessening the amount you spend on take-out, many people are attempting to create better and healthier habits for 2021. And if last year is any indication of what we can expect for this year, it might be wise for us to make room for things that create peace and harmony in our lives. Take space cleansing for example. It’s a simple and accessible way to clear your mind and your space, to eradicate any stagnant energy so that you can manifest your intentions. The Om Room, created by Sonal Shah is a shop that celebrates scents and ancient plant remedies, to help promote healing and bring you back to your om! It just sounds so peaceful, doesn’t it? I spoke with her about how her Indian heritage taught her how to appreciate rituals, why she thinks it’s important we all adopt them, and how her products can help you to create your own.
The following interview has been edited for brevity and length.
1.) What exactly do rituals do?
I think it helps declutter, calm, add some sort of structure to your day. I also think there’s so much overwhelm, and for me rituals help ease all the overwhelm. It’s a moment to be present, and to ground yourself despite all of the chaos around. I also like that it’s about starting over, it’s another chance to start fresh.
2.) What do rituals mean to you?
It kind of depends on the ritual. For example, growing up every morning, me and my dad after breakfast would light something called a divaa. It’s an oil lamp, that’s [used] a lighting ceremony that a lot of religions in India practice. So doing this every morning, the concept is that you’re getting rid of darkness. The light symbolizes enlightenment, getting rid of evil, and having pure intentions.
3.) What rituals do you have?
Some of the practical ones are—I love making the bed in the morning, it’s so important. I do a 10-minute meditation every morning. I use a homemade oil I created with peppermint, and I use that on my neck and shoulders because I think it’s soothing. I use an orange-ginger body wash every morning, because orange is so uplifting. Every other day I’ll smudge Palo Santo after lunch as a reset for the day. Getting outside and getting fresh air really helps me, it’s rejuvenating. In the evening I workout, then I use a cardamom and lavender body wash. That whole shower experience, and winding down is huge for me. At night I spray lavender on my sheets. Those are my daily rituals. Saging and Palo Santo I use on Sunday nights to start my week.
4.) Rituals are very personal, and different for everyone. How would you encourage people to create their own rituals?
I think there’s four main rules to rituals, based on my upbring:
Having an intention. Do you want to bring peace into your life? Do you want to be productive? Do you want to clear any negativity?
Keep it simple. There’s so many rituals to choose from. It can be as practical as making your bed in the morning, or as robust as vision boarding every sunday night.
Pick your tools. You might already know what that is, is it scent, lighting, a certain sound, just thinking about all of your senses. Thinking about what grounds you and impacts your emotions.
Consistency. It requires a bit of discipline, and being consistent is hard. So choosing a specific time for things is really important to me. I know that by 9am I’m meditating, by 8p I’m working out. Having those set times really support the idea of consistency. So try something for 2-3 weeks straight, and give yourself a chance to rewire your brain and create a new habit.
For some practical rituals I suggest making your bed, journaling, skin care. More sensory rituals are lighting candles, using smudge sticks, playing songs from your favorite artist or childhood—something that grounds you.
5.) In what ways can your products aid folks in their quest to create rituals?
Both Sage and Palo Santo are easy rituals that don’t take a lot of time. It doesn’t have to be daily, but it’s something that you can add to your life to rid yourself of negativity, worry, self-doubt, etc. Palo Santo comes from a sacred tree in Peru that’s been used for centuries. Healers use it to remove negative energy, bring forth good fortune, and to raise your energetic vibration. It’s also great for enhancing focus and energy, and reducing stress. White Sage is a little bit different. It’s been used in ancient rituals across multiple cultures. It’s believed to purify your space, getting rid of evil and stagnant energies. It’s similar to Palo Santo and other burning rituals, but these are considered Holy materials.
6.) Your childhood and your Indian heritage played an integral part in your love of rituals? Tell us about that.
I started this company because I wanted to connect with my senses and find harmony in my life. This comes from my childhood because the more I think about it, so much of my childhood was rituals and ancient rituals. I’m so thankful for it now, but back then it was crazy living in a house with two generations of parents and grandparents who were born and raised in India. Doing arti, burning incense, going to temples, mediations, chanting, doing all these things everyday I picked up these habits. So now when I do them, it connects me back to my childhood. I really think that all of these things have created the person I’ve become.
For more on The Om Room, follow them on Instagram, and visit their Etsy shop for their growing arsenal of aromatherapy and energy-healing goods.