When was the last time you sensed magic? If it’s been so long that you can’t actually remember, perhaps it’s time to rediscover the magic in the world (and in you).
Magic is so much a part of my daily life. It is my lifeline that gets me through the tough times. But even so, there have been times in my life when I forgot to acknowledge the magic — when I lost my way.
Lately, I’ve been walking in the woodland around my current house at least once a day. These daily nature walks give me a chance to get out of my head; to let my frantic thoughts drift away so I can sense the magic of the natural world.
I realize this ability to quiet one’s mind and commune with nature is one that I have taken for granted. It’s not always an easy thing for other people to do. When a certain way of being in the world is just second nature, it’s sometimes hard to understand why it isn’t effortless for everyone. As I thought about this, I came up with a list of things to help you find magic, whether you are used to doing so or not.
Here are some ways you can begin to reconnect with magic if you are feeling cut off from magic and wonder at this point in your life.
Examine your thoughts and return to a time when you last felt magic. Write down all of the circumstances surrounding this event. Was a particular person present? What time of year/day did this event occur? How can you recreate this feeling?
Make the ordinary special. For example: Do you have a favorite drink? Perhaps a drink from childhood you used to love but haven’t tasted in years? Find that drink and instead of just drinking it from the bottle, place it in a fancy cup or glass. Add a flower to float on top, or a twist of orange or lemon for the rim. The act of creating a ritual automatically changes your approach to an event and how you feel about it.
Spend time in nature. And I don’t mean hiking or jogging in a natural landscape. I mean: Sitting beside a stream and watching the play of shadow and light on the rocks. Noticing the shapes of the clouds in the sky. Listening for all the sounds you wouldn’t hear unless you were very quiet. Watching a red eft crawl across the leaf litter on the woodland floor (and saying hello when you do — in a quiet, respectful voice).
Wear the fancy clothes. Do you have clothes put aside for a special occasion, but somehow you don’t have events in your life that require dressing up? Just wear the clothes around your house or create an event you can wear the clothes to. Maybe you love the opera but haven’t created the time to go, or you think it’s an indulgence you can’t afford, or some other excuse. But, if you skip the purchase of coffee for at least three weeks, that money can go towards the cost of an opera ticket instead. There’s always a way if you really want something and are willing to sacrifice something to gain something. I don’t wear formal clothes on a regular basis, but I do wear my floral summer dresses when I work in the garden. Gardening in pretty clothes is just one way I feel the magic of the world.
Start a nature observation journal. To really observe the natural world, one must be still and quiet. This practice can be difficult if you are of a more active disposition. Having a focused, results-based project, like a nature observation journal, can help you to get into the right mindset to be able to commune with nature. As you tune into the natural landscape and choose something particular to observe and record, you are learning to be present. And when you are present in nature is when the magic happens!
Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude! Those with a grateful heart are more likely to sense magic and experience magic in the ordinary. If you are struggling to feel grateful, struggling to love life, fake it until it becomes real. Truly! Every day, make a list of things to be grateful for. At first you might be stating the obvious, like: I’m grateful to have a roof over my head, clean water to drink, a job that pays my bills, etc. Maybe you know you should be grateful for these things, but you aren’t really feeling it. That’s okay. Write these things down anyway. With practice, your mindset will start to shift. After a while, you won’t feel like you are lying anymore. The feelings of gratitude will accompany the words you have written. I’ll share my gratitude list for today at the end of this letter.
Don’t be a creature of habit. Okay. We are all creatures of habit. Even those of us who tend towards spontaneity end up sticking to a certain routine. That’s just life. If we work a regular 9 to 5 job, we are bound by the time constraints that come with the job. But, there are certain times of day or days of the week when our time is pretty much our own. On these days, instead of doing the same thing you did last week, try something so completely out of the ordinary. If this makes you uncomfortable, start small. Instead of getting coffee at your usual place, choose somewhere at the opposite end of town. This small act of breaking free from your routine might end up stirring the magic so that something exciting happens.
Are there any other tips you’d add to this list? Share them in the comments for others to see. Magic is everywhere, but so often we are caught in our own little bubbles so that it drifts on by without us noticing.
Gratitude List
I’m grateful for the honeysuckle scented breeze drifting in through the open window
I’m grateful for Lanchoo tea from Auntie Lola in the bunny mug from my son. That first sip early this morning was so very welcome.
I’m grateful for almost understanding the conversation between crows this morning, in that time between sleep and waking.
I’m grateful for the sound of geese at dawn.
I’m grateful for the Mother’s Day peonies from my son.
I’m grateful for living in a quiet community, in a woodland, with such kind and thoughtful neighbors.
I’m grateful for the stories that have become chapters in my own life story.
I’m grateful for cool, breezy late spring days.
I’m grateful for the rain that was much needed.
I’m grateful for flowers.
I’m grateful for friends who love me as I love them.
I’m grateful for all the opportunities the universe has brought me recently.
Bio
Caitlin Gemmell is a writer and witch living in the countryside of upstate New York. Her poetry has been featured in several publications including the fairy tale poetry anthology The Wistful Wild. Her latest poetry chapbook, True North, can be found here.
That's a great listing and mine is very similar to a couple of your suggestions. Some months ago I started meditating very early in the morning. Only 30 mins or so but that 30 mins has made a world of difference in many ways. First I do some relaxation techniques to quiet my mind. Then I just picture leaving earth and moving through the universe seeing stars, planets and galaxies. Speaking with God and the Universe seeing the incredible beauty and mysteries. Have received some incredible clarity and insight this way.