“Nothing is predestined. The obstacles of your past can become the gateways that lead to new beginnings. ” ~Ralph Blum
For many of us, last year was a bittersweet year filled with both triumphs and challenges. As we look forward to the new year, one powerful tool you can use to help bring a fresh start to the new year is the Burning Bowl Ceremony.
The Burning Bowl Ceremony is a long-used tradition in many new thought churches. It is a powerful way to transform those things in your life that are no longer serving you and that you don’t want to bring into the new year. The ceremony is often used at the new year but can be used anytime you want to create a fresh start. Some people perform the ceremony on a regular basis because it is so powerful.
The Burning Bowl Ceremony helps bring closure while also presenting optimism for the future. 2012 is still a blank page, now is the time to ask yourself what you want to create and who do you need to be to make that happen.
For this ceremony, you will need several small pieces of paper and a source of fire. You can use a fireplace, outdoor fire pit, or simply a fire safe bowl or dish in an open area.
Before you begin, take a quiet moment, breath deeply and connect with your heart. On the pieces of paper, write down anything that no longer serves you that you want to release. These can be specific issues you had during the past year or other larger issues. Be completely honest with yourself about what you want or need to release, no one will see your list.
Some examples include:
- Health issues
- Fear, jealousy, anger
- Bad habits
- Unhealthy relationships
- Negative thoughts or emotions
Once you have your items listed on the pieces of paper, turn them over. On the back side, write down what you want to replace those items with, for example:
- Good health
- Love
- Good habits
- Healthy, loving relationships
- Positive thinking
When you’re ready, focus your intentions on releasing the negative and welcoming the positive into your life. Carefully place your papers into the fire. The fire in the Burning Bowl is a symbol of transformation and helps shift the energy. If you’d like, you can end the ceremony buy burying the cool ashes when it’s complete.
What New Year’s Eve traditions do you have? Have you tried the Burning Bowl Ceremony? Share your thoughts below.
