Have you ever heard the saying "you can't create something new until you've released the old"?

It's true! It's actually one of my favorite mantras, because it reminds me that before I can begin to manifest new things in my life, I need to make room for them.

I am going to help you set the intention for release through a simple ritual. This ritual can also be done anytime in January if you're looking to set the tone for the year ahead.

I personally like doing this ritual whenever I feel like I'm stuck or stagnant in some area of my life—whether it's professionally, relationship wise or spiritually—and need some clarity and guidance on how to move forward.

So what exactly does this ritual entail? Well, it requires a few steps and simple ingredients that you can find in nature:

 The first step is finding a small item from nature that can be burned. Something like a flower, stick, leaf or part of a plant will do just fine (you can even go out for a walk and see what calls to you).  I used roses for mine.

Next, grab a small piece of paper and a pen. Write down what you're releasing on the piece of paper. Keep it on the smaller side (especially if you are doing this indoors) so it will burn well when you burn it later.  I'd recommend doing this outside if you can since there's fire involved.  You will also need a candle (or lighter) as well as a fire proof dish (ceramic, an abalone shell, ashtray or whatever you've got!)

Give yourself permission to let go of anything or anyone that no longer feels good for you. For example, “I release my old ways of thinking and letting the past dictate my present and future" or "I release the need to compare myself with anyone else. I will not self sabotage or dim my light any longer." "I release the relationships and patterns that are holding me back." Sit with your thoughts for a bit until you're crystal clear on what your next level is and then write down what you need to release in order to get there.

Place the strip of paper around the object that you found in nature and place it on your nightstand. Before sleeping, ask aloud or to yourself for the energy of what you are releasing to be transferred from the paper to the other object.

If you are able to do the ritual outside, pick a spot that is easy for you to access. You will want to dig a hole a couple inches deep depending on how big your object from nature is.

If you are inside, set up an ashtray or shell/dish on a fire proof surface.

Think of everything you're grateful for that happened over the past year, even if you didn't have the best year. If nothing comes to mind right away, just keep it simple; you have access to clean water, someone somewhere loves you, you even have access to the internet and a wealth of information at your fingertips. Say these things aloud and really tap into your sense of gratefulness for your blessings. Adopting an attitude of gratitude changes our mood, perspective and draws in even more blessings.

Holding your nature object in your hands, say out loud what you are releasing. Imagine how your life will be once this thing is released. Picture it. Feel it. Notice what's different and what is going better for you. Tap into the joy of the release- how will you feel once that anxiety has lifted?

Light your item with the paper wrapped around it in the candle flame and then place it into the hole you dug or into the fireproof dish with caution. As the paper burns, allow yourself to release those thoughts and feelings. Once everything is extinguished, cover your nature object with dirt and offer gratitude to the earth for its help in taking the problem from you. Alternatively, if you did the ritual inside, take the ashes outside and pour into the dirt and do the same.

Be confident in the knowledge that your intentions were carried into the heavens and that you are surrounded by love, light, strength and protection.

Please let me know how this ritual works for you or if you customize it to fit your personal needs!