I think many people, at some point, experience an overwhelming, debilitating dark cloud that smothers them in dejection and misery; it makes even the most quotidian acts painful, joyless and dreary. Amidst that suffocating and enveloping state, the infamous ‘washing your hair’ or ‘brushing your teeth’ can feel like a huge achievement. In our hectic, often frenzied and unpredictable lives, we forget to appreciate the ‘little things’. I think it’s so important to notice and cherish everyday actions and rituals if you are in a comfortable, established and generally content place.

I realised recently upon meeting someone who has the most astonishing and beautiful mind, that you can perceive daily routines and rituals not only as enjoyable, but as acts of self-care and be mindful of said acts. These experiences are things to be treasured, they are ordinary examples of magic. I wanted to write about some of the everyday occurrences and rituals that I personally cherish and which bring little glimmers of magic to my day.

“These experiences are things to be treasured, they are ordinary examples of magic”

Hot drinks:

I think there is something so magical about tea: like soothing concocted potions that provide such warmth and comfort. I recently purchased a rose and chamomile blend; pouring hot water over the beautiful array of colourful dried petals can feel like a quaint, enchanting ritual from the forest.

I am also an avid hot chocolate devotee and endeavoured to find the perfect, healthy vegan hot chocolate recipe. Having accomplished said task, I believe it gives incomparable bliss and comfort. There is something so inexplicably miraculous about sharing hot chocolate among friends and indulging in the sweet treat.

Old-fashioned warmth:

I am so inextricably attached to a hot water bottle that at this point, it has basically become a part of my body. To me, there is something unparalleled about having a source of heat, produced from boiling water, resting on your body, emanating warmth and comfort. I find it to be such a wonderful, magical form of self-care. In a world inundated with technology, plugs and electricity, there is something so simple and lovely about a cosy hot water bottle.

Along that same line, I think candles are spellbinding. Think of the events that can be hosted by the light of an intricate and detailed designed candelabra; think of the hope and illumination which candles can represent.

“Any aspect of my routine can be made wondrous”

Nature:

I cannot express how enchanting I often find rain to be. Perhaps it is the sentiments we have projected onto rain: of washing away or purging the bad to make way for the new, I think it is so marvellous. On the other hand, walking on a slightly breezy or cooler day with the sun streaming is such a natural beauty and I never want to neglect soaking up the warming and luminous beams. In general, nature truly is the earth’s natural wonder and magic.

I am also enamoured by the glistening sea and how it hosts such a variety of stunning creatures and natural wonders. I never want to take for granted what I believe to be one of the most extraordinary experiences: to immerse ourselves in water in its various natural states, whether it’s the ocean, a river or a lake! Or on the contrary, how phenomenal it is to be able to ice skate; the joyous feeling of being able to glide on frozen water, especially around Christmas time with twinkling lights sprinkled in the sky.

Daily rituals:

Any aspect of my routine can be made wondrous, from the privilege of writing in my journal, inscribing every page with details of my day, to baths fizzing with soothing bath salts or mystical bath bombs. I love watching a Disney film or reading an adventure/fairy-tale story through the eyes of childlike appreciation and nourishing myself by cooking delicious, healthy food, embellished with colourful vegetables and fruits! Above all, I believe that there is nothing more astounding and beautiful than when a stranger smiles at you, or offers you a hand with something – when you are witness to a moment of genuine kindness.

I think there are so many everyday experiences that I am astronomically lucky to have and I know I am so exceedingly privileged. I try consistently to implement gratitude and wonder into my life, because no matter how insignificant a moment may seem, I remember a time when the day felt like it was swallowing and strangling each minute and I felt so devoid of joy. This mindset has helped implement a meaning, calm and contentment I never had. I feel like it’s helped to heal the childhood in which I felt overcome by confused strain and upset by enjoying the wonder and fascination that life has to offer. It has healed the wounds of a time in which I could find no joy whatsoever.