The beginning of the year usually generates noise, pending issues and external expectations. In between all the movement, The first thing that is usually lost is clarity regarding oneself: what is needed, what is desired, what must be taken care of. This ritual exists to avoid starting on automatic.
He Rosemary is used for a simple reason: it is an herb that is not consumed in a hurry. It requires waiting, infusion time and attention. That condition makes it useful here.
Ritual
Boil water. Turn off the heat and place a sprig of rosemary. Cover the cup and wait three minutes. Don’t do anything else while you wait.
Serve the tea. Take the cup with both hands. Before the first sip, formulate a single internal phrase in response to this question:
Ritual rosemary tea
What do I need to preserve about myself this year?
Don’t repeat it. Don’t explain it. One sentence is enough.
Drink the entire tea in silence.
When you’re done, place the twig on a piece of paper and fold it.
Store it for a week in a place you open every day: a drawer, a purse, a bag. If after that time you still need it, decide consciously. If not, throw it away.
Optional variations
If you can’t formulate a sentence: write your name on a piece of paper and place it under the cup while you drink.
If you need to reinforce the feeling of presence: drink the tea standing up.
If you want accompaniment: prepare two cups, but ask for complete silence during the process.
What to avoid
Don’t turn it into a list of goals.
Don’t do it just to do it. Here the intention changes the value of the act.
