SELF CARE

Seven Transformative Rituals and Routines for Wellness and Manifesting Your Dreams

--Robin Levy, Author of The Manifestor Effect.

I remember the days when I lived in New York City, a time when my life felt like an exhilarating yet exhausting dance. I was a dancer, choreographer, massage therapist, and teacher, burning the candle at both ends. Cash was tight, and my body and mind were stretched to their limits. My third-floor walk-up in Chelsea offered little refuge, often filled with the cigarette smoke wafting up from my neighbors below.

Desperate for a change, my boyfriend and I signed up for a year long program at the IIN (Institute For Integrative Nutrition) I thought I was simply enrolling in a vegetarian cooking school, envisioning nights spent perfecting lentil stews and kale salads- it was that and so much more. Instead, I found myself in a health coaching program, a journey that began with a mentor who helped me see how out of balance my life had become.

The program was nothing short of magic, filled with ecstatic dance and inspiring speakers like Andrew Weil and Mark Heiman. Each session offered new insights and tools to tackle my health issues. But as my knowledge grew, so did the realization that my relationship was unraveling.

We loved each other very much, but he was struggling with depression. I tried my best to make him feel better, feeling it was my responsibility to solve his problems. But I hadn't yet learned the lesson that he had to want that change for himself. I could offer him the tools, but ultimately he had to do the work. Soon after I joined the community, he followed along, hoping to find some of the peace and clarity I was beginning to experience.

My mentor’s gentle guidance helped me understand the importance of nourishing my soul. She encouraged me to embrace yoga, clean air, and high-vibration foods. I bought an air filter, joined a yoga class, and started seeing an NLP therapist. I cleaned out my closet, both literally and metaphorically, shedding habits that no longer served me. It became clear that part of my journey involved letting go of my relationship, painful as it was.

Emerging from that period, I had a new set of skills, a refreshed sense of self, and a desire to help others transform their lives as I had transformed mine. Positive relationships are crucial, but sometimes, being on your own allows you to align with your true needs and desires. This alignment is essential for manifesting your dreams.

How This Relates to Manifesting

Manifesting occurs on multiple levels—body, mind, and spirit. When these parts are out of balance, your unconscious mind often absorbs the wrong messages, focusing on what you don't want and the stresses you face. Bringing all parts of your being into harmony raises your vibration and unifies your desires with your true self. This alignment is what makes it possible to see clearly and manifest what you truly want.

Here are the seven transformative rituals and routines that guided me through that pivotal time and can help you too:

Nourishing Nutrition :  Back then, I was surviving on cheap takeout and coffee. My mentor introduced me to nutrient-dense foods that truly nourished my body. Smoothies packed with leafy greens, berries, and nuts became my morning ritual. My diet began to include healthy fats, orange and green vegetables, and quinoa. Each meal became an act of self-love, savoring the flavors and the way they made me feel vibrant and alive. I also discovered I had food allergies, and eliminating those foods made a huge difference.                                                                                             

Restorative Sleep: My nights were often restless, filled with anxious thoughts. Establishing a calming bedtime routine was a game-changer. I invested in a white noise machine, dimmed the lights, infused relaxing scents into the air, I turned off my screens, and read a book until I drifted off. A salt bath before bed with nourishing candles and essential oils became a part of my nightly ritual. I started to wake up feeling refreshed, ready to tackle the day with a clear mind.           

Meditation and Mindfulness: I was constantly on the go, my mind never quiet. Dedicating just ten minutes a day to meditate brought a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years. Focusing on my breath, practicing gratitude—it grounded me and made me more resilient to the chaos around me. Stargazing from my rooftop became a meditative practice that helped me connect with the universe.   I even created an alter with my favorite self help books, singing bowls, candles and crystals and incense to give me a focal point and sacred space for tuning into myself.                                                                                               

Skin Care as Self-Care: My skin reflected my inner turmoil. Developing a skincare routine felt like pampering myself. Cleansing, moisturizing, and taking those few moments each day made me feel cared for and confident. Natural ingredients like oatmeal soap, shea butter cream,  aloe vera and coconut oil became my allies. Regularly scrubbing my body with a loofah and using nourishing oils helped rejuvenate my skin.                                                                                                                    

Grounding and Nature Connection: Living in the city, I rarely connected with nature. My mentor encouraged me to spend time outdoors, even if it was just a walk along the Hudson River. Feeling the grass under my feet, the sun on my skin—it recharged me in ways I hadn’t expected. Filling my apartment with plants brought a bit of nature indoors, creating a soothing environment.          

Soothing Baths and Floating Stress had me wound tight. Regular baths with Epsom salts and essential oils became my sanctuary. I also discovered floating sessions, experiencing deep relaxation that helped my mind clear and my creativity flow. These practices became essential in managing stress and fostering relaxation.                                                                                 

Movement and Yoga: My body was my tool, but I wasn’t caring for it properly. Incorporating yoga into my routine brought both physical and mental flexibility. It wasn’t just about the movements, but the mindfulness and connection to my breath that made all the difference. Regular massage sessions also helped release tension and rejuvenate my body. These practices allowed my body to repair and restore. 

Through these rituals, I began to see profound changes. I wasn’t just surviving—I was finding balance and ultimately thriving. These practices didn’t just heal my body, they allowed me to tune into what I wanted to manifest: living by the ocean, having a chance to slow down, getting married, becoming a writer and singer-songwriter—pursuing my true passion and creative calling. They helped me manifest a life of balance, wellness, and love. I began to craft a clear vision of my future. Embrace these transformative habits, and watch as they bring harmony and fulfillment into your life too.