You know those sappy TV episodes where heartbroken girls throw torn-up photographs of their ex-boyfriends into bonfires and then laugh hysterically with their girlfriends at how petty their relationships were? Have you done this or something similar yourself?
Here’s a mind-blowing fact: it works. Throwing photographs and slips of paper into the flames is not just for TV drama; this ritual has been performed for many years by many people for many different reasons. Often referred to as the “Burning Bowl Ceremony,” setting fire to past regrets and emotional baggage has a purifying and tranquilizing effect. People often perform the Burning Bowl Ceremony on New Year’s Eve, before weddings, and, yes, after rough breakups. This ceremony is actually appropriate for any situation at any given time; all of us could definitely do without some of the anxiety and negativity we carry around on a day-to-day basis. Plus, fire is cool, and who doesn’t like setting things on fire? I encourage you to try this ceremony for yourself by following these simple steps: 1. Establish a source of fire; it could be as small as a candle or as large as a bonfire. The traditional Burning Bowl Ceremony favors a stone bowl, the contents of which you set on fire in a later step. 2. Take a few minutes to meditate on whatever is ailing you. 3. Write down three worries, anxieties, or sources of negativity on a slip of paper, or take a moment to analyze any photographs you plan on burning. If you are following the Burning Bowl method, place the paper/photograph in the bowl. 4. Mindfully light the paper slip or photograph on fire, and let go of that which has been bothering you. 5. Take a deep breath and meditate for a few more minutes, making sure to visualize a happier, lighter future. 6. Following this activity, whenever you catch your mind returning to those negative thoughts and emotions, remind yourself that you have released them to the flames. Now, this may not seem as fun as that other TV breakup coping strategy (by this, I am referring to eating entire tubs of ice cream in one sitting!), but I promise you that it is more effective and much healthier. Good luck!
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