WE LOVE

THE VALUE OF DAILY RITUALS

Written by: Pia Cook @thecuriouscabinet

Pia Cook took time out from The Curious Cabinet to share her thoughts on the value of daily rituals. Check out her delicious ritual recipe at the end of the blog!

I don’t know about you, but in a world that has changed so much over the last few months, I’ve often found it hard to stay grounded and stop my mind from racing. One minute my thoughts are focused on all the what-ifs, and the next I feel frustrated that so much of my personal life and work, the things that gave me a sense of purpose and identity have been forced to change. I think a big part of this has been the loss of structure to my day. My routine has changed – or disappeared - and with this has gone a sense of daily achievement, of tasks being ticked off, and flowing creativity.  

As this new reality settles in, I’ve learned it’s more important than ever to be kind to myself. To take stock of what I have in my life that makes me feel safe and loved. To learn new routines and rituals that provide a sense of structure and security in my daily life, when everything else seems out of my control.

It’s the simple things. Savouring my coffee in the morning; playing with my son, completely in the moment; re-visiting my nanna’s preserving and baking recipes; cooking as a family.  These were all things that I did prior to being home-bound, but they’ve somehow gained clarity in this new landscape. 

Previously, making my afternoon cuppa was a mundane process, mindlessly completed to get me through the day. Now, it’s become a ritual I look forward to. I go all out and use a traditional tea pot, my favourite cup, and I savour the moment. The enjoyment is as much in the process of making it as the act of drinking it. These little moments allow me to stop. Breathe. Take stock. Check in. Sometimes they wake up a sense of creativity, other times they just provide a chance to clear my mind. It’s amazing what energy these seemingly small rituals can provide. 

One afternoon may be a herbal tea, another may be a hot chocolate, but my favourite so far is a shrub syrup with iced tea. I love the sweet, tart and heady mix of flavours. Shrub syrups and iced teas were both popular in colonial times, and there is an affectionate nod to the past when I combine them in this new concoction. A reflection on a time when life was much harder than it is now - even in our current climate.

For me – these moments of ritual maintain my sense of creativity and curiosity.  They’ve encouraged me to slow down and focus my mind on learning, experimentation and creation.  Who knows what this new mindfulness may bring? Watch this space… 

Shop the The Daily Edit

RHUBARB AND GINGER SHRUB ICED TEA – recipe

Loose leaf tea / 2x tea bags (We recommend Green Tea with Rose, but encourage you to experiment with any of your favourite herbal or black teas).
3 slices ginger
2 slices lemon
30-60ml The Curious Cabinet Rhubarb Shrub Syrup 
Ice

Prepare a strong pot of tea of your choice. Half fill with boiling water and steep for 15 minutes.  Top your tea pot with ice to cool and dilute. 

Place more ice into serving glass. Strain chilled tea over the ice and add ginger, lemon and Rhubarb Shrub Syrup. Stir and serve.

NOTE: You can use any flavour of Shrub Syrups. Combine them with herbs/fruits to your taste.

Shop Pia's syrups at The Curious Cabinet & check out more recipe ideas.