It’s the winter solstice today or Yule and as I was reflecting on the holiday, something struck me. We also talk about how important it is to come home for the holidays to friends, family, and other loved ones. We rarely talk about how we return to our spiritual core during what can be a very hectic time.

That’s unfortunate, because when we’re answering our unique calling and doing this work, we often experience hectic and difficult times. If we haven’t taken the time to build a strong spiritual foundation through creating a set of core practices, we can get pulled away from our authentic self.

A strong spiritual foundation based on simple daily practices and tools, gives us something to fall back on when we feel disconnected from our higher power or discouraged with where we are in our journey.

Everyone’s core spiritual practices and tools will vary. It’s important to find the ones that resonate with you. They need to feel easy and natural because if you already struggle to do them when things are good, you likely won’t do them when the road’s a bit bumpy.

Here are 6 tools that I recommend. These won’t be for everyone but you may want to explore one or more of them to see how they work for you.

Ritual

Ritual has been a tool I’ve used and encouraged my students to use to strengthen their connection to a higher power. A ritual is a symbolic and simple thing you do that connects to the Divine. It might be a certain prayer, lighting a special candle, casting a circle, burning incense or anything else that is symbolic and easy to do.

Storytelling

Storytelling, particularly through journaling, helps you become more aware of your thoughts. It can help you find patterns in your thoughts and beliefs that are limiting the possible realities that you can manifest for yourself. Telling your unique personal story is also a powerful way to notice clues and themes related to discovering your unique calling.

Movement

Moving our body helps us get out of our mind and more connected to our body. We often experience our intuition as a gut feeling in our body so building greater awareness of our body can help us tap more deeply into our intuition. It also maintains our health which is important. It’s hard to feel positive or to show up in our highest vibe when our body is diseased or in pain.

Art

Making art of any kind will help you connect with Divine inspiration. Seeing someone else undertake a creative endeavor also inspires us. We see the beauty in both the creation and the process and it inspires us to connect with our higher power so we might also create beauty.

Human design

No list of mine would be complete without human design. Understanding how our physical form operates and how it interfaces with the quantum field is crucial to finding the most ease possible in life. When we get out of the mind and lean into our strategy and authority, we know what action to take and when to take it.

Meditation

Before any of the above, I’ve found meditation to be key to building a strong spiritual foundation. Meditation helps to calm the mind. It also allows you to experience yourself as the Ultimate Observer, seeing your thoughts from afar without judgement. It also prevents your thoughts from running away from you.

There are a lot of misconceptions about meditation that can prevent you from developing a regular meditation habit. I’ve debunked 5 common myths about meditation over on my blog.

It doesn’t matter which tools you ultimately use to create your foundation. It’s just important to build a foundation now. As you spend time with your loved ones during the holiday, take some time to come home to yourself.

Bright Blessings and Happy New Year,