Ancient Wisdom for Personal Growth—and Modern Mindfullness: Mini Rituals for Calm

Just like modern mindfulness practices, ancient wisdom—presented here in mini-rituals—can also invite us to slow down, and reset. At Living Your Gifts, I use my deep training in the West African Dagara wisdom tradition as a student and now practitioner, taught by Sobonfu Some, in my SpiRtual Coaching™ as a means to offer another way in to the ability to create transformation in our own lives, wherever we are, whenever we need it.

Here we use the ‘container’ of ritual. Which is simple a space you create for yourself where your intention can alchemize transformation. Be it transforming the current state of your parasympathetic ervous system by inviting in calm, or shifting a limiting belief.

This week, I am focusing on the Element of Water and how it can be used as a modern Mindfulness tool for personal growth.

The element of Water reminds us that life flows more easily when we release what no longer serves us.

Here are three simple Water rituals you can try today:

1. Sip with Intention – Pour yourself a glass of water. With each sip, quietly name what you’re ready to let go of—a worry, a judgment, or even the tension in your shoulders that is keeping you stuck in a thought, to help productively process your emotions, or to get to the other side of a stressful moment at work.

2. Hand-Washing Reset – Each time you wash your hands, imagine the water carrying away stress or frustration. Notice the refreshment it brings.

Rituals are also a way to honor the moments of your life as a practice of gratitude.

3. Evening Release – Before bed, write down one thing that felt heavy during the day. As you place the paper in a bowl of water, imagine it dissolving into flow.

These small acts create mindful pauses, giving your nervous system a chance to reset. Over time, they become anchors of awareness, reminding you to live with presence.

If you would like to exploring the Dagara elements as modern mindfulness tools, join my mailing list for our Monthly Medicine newsletter.