Does the world feel a little too loud right now? A little too bright, too fast, too much?
You’re not imagining it. The days surrounding Black Friday and the kick-off of the holiday season carry an intense, almost frantic energy. Even if you didn’t physically fight crowds at a mall, you probably felt the collective hum of urgency, comparison, and consumption rippling through your social media feeds, your inbox, and maybe even your own thoughts.
That subtle feeling of emptiness, disconnection, or exhaustion you’re experiencing? That’s a kind of energetic hangover. And just like the physical kind, it requires intentional care to process and release.
This simple, 10-minute ritual is your anchor. It’s a way to clear the static, ground your energy, and reconnect with the quiet, abundant sanctuary that always exists within you.
The 10-Minute "Coming Home to Enough" Ritual
This ritual is designed to be profoundly simple. It doesn’t require special tools, a perfectly clean space, or an hour of your time. It requires your presence and your willingness to return to what is real, tangible, and already here.
Set a timer for 10 minutes. This boundary helps your mind relax, knowing there’s an end point.
Step 1: The Space (1 Minute).
Light a single candle. The simple act of creating light in the darkness is a powerful signal to your spirit that you are creating a sacred space. Sit comfortably and simply watch the flame for a moment.
Step 2: The Body (5 Minutes).
This is the heart of the practice. You’re going to ground yourself back into your body and the present moment by anchoring your gratitude in what you can actually sense, not just think about.
This is embodied gratitude, the kind that rewires your nervous system and reminds you that abundance isn’t out there; it’s right here.
Sight: Look around your space and let your eyes rest on one thing that brings you a sense of simple beauty. Not something you bought this weekend, but something that is just here. The grain of wood on your table. The way the candle flame dances. The color of a favorite blanket. Really see it. Appreciate it. Say quietly, “Thank you for this beauty.”
Sound: Close your eyes and listen. What is the quietest sound you can hear? The hum of the refrigerator, the rustle of wind outside, your own breath, the silence between sounds. Find gratitude for the peace that exists underneath all the noise. Say quietly, “Thank you for this quiet.”
Scent: Breathe in deeply. Can you smell the candle, a lingering trace of coffee or tea, the fresh air from an open window? Gratitude for the scents that make a space feel like home. Say quietly, “Thank you for this comfort.”
Touch: Notice what your body is touching right now. The softness of your sweater, the solidness of the chair beneath you, the warmth of the mug in your hands if you have one. Feel the support. Feel the comfort. Be grateful for the physical sensation of being held. Say quietly, “Thank you for holding me.”
Taste: If you have water or tea nearby, take a sip. Taste it fully, as if for the first time. If you don’t have anything, simply notice the taste in your mouth. Gratitude for simple nourishment, for the body’s ability to receive. Say quietly, “Thank you for sustaining me.”
Step 3: The Heart (4 Minutes).
Now that you’ve grounded yourself back into your body and the present moment, it’s time to give your mind a place to process and integrate.
Open your journal or get a blank piece of paper. Set a timer for three minutes and write freely in response to these prompts. Don’t edit yourself; just let the words flow.
- What is one non-material thing I feel truly abundant in right now? (e.g., resilience, love, creativity, compassion)
- What is one simple truth I want to anchor myself to for the week ahead? (e.g., “My peace is my priority,” or “I have enough. I am enough.”)
Why This Simple Ritual is So Powerful
An energetic hangover comes from being pulled out of ourselves—into our screens, into comparison, into a mindset of lack. This ritual works because it reverses the process. The five-senses inventory instantly calms your nervous system and pulls your awareness out of the anxious, spinning mind and back into the grounding reality of your body. The journaling then integrates that feeling of presence, allowing you to consciously choose what you want to carry forward. It’s a simple, profound act of reclaiming your sovereignty.
If you’re craving a container to hold you through the entire winter season, a guide to help you turn this practice of coming home to yourself into a lifestyle, the Winter Sanctum workbook is waiting for you.
It’s 70+ pages of gentle rituals, reflection prompts, seasonal guidance, and two audio meditations designed to help you honor the wisdom of winter and find deep rest when the world demands more productivity. It’s a companion for the journey from now through the early spring.
Your Sanctuary is Still Waiting (A Quiet Invitation)
This ritual is a reminder that your peace is always accessible. If you’re craving more tools to support this feeling of sanctuary, not just for a moment but for the entire season ahead, I have a quiet invitation for you.
Our Gratitude Season Sale is coming to a close on December 2nd. This is your last chance to get 50% off all the tools in the shop, including the Holiday Sanctuary Kit, which is designed for this exact kind of overwhelm.
This isn’t one last call to consume. It’s a heartfelt opportunity to intentionally invest in your own peace for the months ahead.
May you be well, may you be grounded, and may you remember the incredible gift that you already are.
