Something I find very important is to cultivate a personal relationship with the gods. The relationship is different depending on which deity I’m speaking with and how long I’ve worked with them. However, every morning when I enter my office cabin, I light a stick of incense and give thanks and gratitude to the gods. It’s a small ritual, one that’s done when my first cup of coffee is brewing. But I’ve made it a habit, and it feels odd on the rare morning when I have to do something else and I don’t get into my office first thing. On those days, as soon as I can get to my office, I complete my ritual.
It’s important to find personal ways to make connections with the gods or the universe or however you see your spirituality. These personal connections strengthen our faith, and in turn, our faith strengthens our resolve to do the right things, to follow our goals, and to hear and heed our life’s purpose.
Cultivating small rituals and our personal spirituality makes our beliefs our own and allows us to find ways that they work for us, rather than being a burden or another job to do.
Too often pop psychology books give us a list of things to do to prevent burnout, boost our mood, and these suggestions include things like be more mindful and exercise more. These then become commands, things that you “must do” regardless of whether they work for you or they fit into your life. That’s why I prefer a scholarly polytheism to any dogmatic religion. With scholarly polytheism it’s up to each individual person to make the research necessary to find what works for them, and to put that into action.
Some things to consider are that it’s good to start small. Lighting a stick of incense every morning seems like a pretty inconsequential thing. But it’s a small action I can take, give myself a few moments of reflection and understanding, and center myself for the day ahead.
Make whatever you’re doing meaningful to you. Whether that’s a walk in nature, caring for the sacred animal of your chosen deity(ies), if it holds meaning then you are more likely to continue it.
Be kind to yourself as you work to build a practice. Our lives are busy. The gods know this. Do the best you can and make corrections to your practice when and how you can.
A personal practice provides a quiet center to your spiritual life. It creates connection, something vital to our well-being, and it can help pave the way for larger forays into your spirituality.
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