Advent experienced differently: a ritual for mindful self-compassion

The Advent season is a special time of year – full of lights, traditions, and moments of reflection. At the same time, it can challenge us with stress, busyness, and endless to-do lists. For highly sensitive individuals, but not only for them, this period can become a real challenge. Between gift lists, year-end tasks, and social obligations, there is often little space for what truly matters: time for ourselves.

This is exactly where the opportunity lies: Advent can be a moment of introspection, a chance to pause, let go, and consciously give space to your own well-being. Last year, we published an article with valuable tips on how to maintain balance during the holiday season. This year, why not try a fresh approach and experience Advent a little differently? Instead of getting lost in the external hustle, you could use these weeks to turn inward, connect with yourself, and make room for your inner peace.

A ritual for mindful self-compassion can help you lovingly connect with yourself and strengthen your relationship with your own being. Rituals provide structure to our daily lives, create small anchors amid the chaos, and encourage conscious pauses – exactly what we need in the often hectic Advent season. They have a calming effect on body and mind, support mindfulness and self-care, and help us make inner feelings such as gratitude, letting go, or self-love more tangible.

The beauty of rituals is that they are as unique as the people who perform them. This ritual is an inspiration – you can adapt it to your personal needs and preferences. Choose symbols and materials that hold special meaning for you: different candle colors, various essential oils, or your own mantra. The important thing is that the ritual feels right for you and gives you a sense of calm, connection, and inner peace.

What you need:

• A white or pink candle (symbolizing purity and love)

• Rose petals (fresh or dried)

• Rose essential oil

• A sheet of paper and a pen (for the sigil)

• Optional: gemstones such as rose quartz or amethyst

• A mantra, e.g.: “I love myself unconditionally.”

Preparation:

• Create time and space: Choose a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. Create an atmosphere that feels good to you – perhaps with soft music or a warm cup of tea.

• Create your sigil: Write your mantra on a sheet of paper and turn it into a sigil by artistically connecting or abstracting the letters. Alternatively, you can use your mantra in its original form.

Ritual Steps:

1. Connect with your body

Before beginning the ritual, do something that nourishes your body:

• Grounding walk: Feel the earth beneath your feet.

• Dancing or singing: Let your energy flow freely.

• Nourishing meal: Mindfully enjoy something that strengthens you.

2. Prepare the candle

• Engrave the sigil: Carefully carve your mantra or sigil into the candle.

• Rose oil and petals: Mix rose petals with a few drops of rose essential oil. Rub this mixture onto the candle while focusing on your intention.

• Place the sigil: Put the paper under the candle or carefully burn it and place the candle nearby.

3. Charge the candle

Hold the candle in your hands, close your eyes, and repeat your mantra. Visualize the candle being charged with the energy of your words.

4. Meditation with the candle

Light the candle and sit nearby. Observe the flame and let its calm movement guide you into meditation. Repeat your mantra quietly or aloud:“I love myself unconditionally.”Feel how these words resonate within you.

5. Extend the ritual (optional)

You can continue the ritual over several days by using a larger candle that you relight each time. Each session allows you to reconnect with your mantra and deepen your self-compassion practice.

Closing

Let the candle burn out naturally or extinguish it carefully when you wish to conclude the ritual. Thank yourself for this moment of mindfulness.

This ritual is not only a beautiful way to experience Advent more consciously but also a powerful practice to listen to yourself, strengthen your self-worth, and deepen your connection with your own being.

Give it a try – you are worth it. ❤️