Spiritual growth and ritual practice are deeply personal, yet many of us allow perfectionism to stand in the way of true connection. It’s easy to get caught up in creating a flawless space or adhering to an ideal vision or aesthetic that prevents us from engaging fully. If you’ve ever felt this way, you’re not alone. To let go of perfectionism in your spiritual space and in ritual practice, you first have to understand the root of "why" this pattern comes up for you and understanding what truly are the essentials.
The Perfectionism Trap
A childhood pattern I’ve been working to break is the need for perfection. This was rooted in my upbringing based on how I was raised, "it can always be better" or "it's not good enough". My spiritual growth was often hindered because I didn’t have the aesthetic space I envisioned. My Taurus rising tendency to crave beautiful, upscale surroundings created another mental block — I was more focused on the external environment than the internal connection.
Eventually, my yearning to connect with my spirituality became stronger than my desire for perfection. I released my expectations and embraced simplicity. Starting small and minimal taught me a valuable lesson: you don’t need elaborate setups or perfect spaces to connect spiritually.
What you really need, at its core, are just three essentials:
Your presence
Your breath
Your connection
Everything else is a bonus. While additional tools can enhance your energetic space + rituals, they are not necessities. Here are some common bonus items and how they contribute to ritual practice:
Candle: Represents the elements of fire and air, symbolizing transformation and clarity.
Botanicals, Bath Soaks, or Herbal Teas: Connect with water and earth energies to promote healing, grounding, and connection to your higher self + intuition.
Crystals: Choose stones that align with the energies you wish to invite.
Photos and Trinkets: Represent your spirit team, ancestors, or deities for guidance and protection.
Essential Oils, Smoke Medicine, Sprays, or Anointing Oils: Adds grounding, protection, and purifying earth elements.
Comfort: Meditation cushions, yoga mat, yoga blocks, blankets, or a rug for your body to be at ease.
Journal + Pen: For you to write down messages that come through during your practice.
Releasing Expectations
When you let go of the need for perfection, you open the door to authentic spiritual practice. It’s not about creating a flawless altar or having all of the trinkets right away — it’s about showing up with intention. Every breath, every moment of presence, becomes sacred.
What Are Your Ritual Essentials?
Your ritual space can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. What are your must-have items, and what non-essentials bring you more connection? Share with us in the comments. Let’s inspire each other to connect deeply. Working in tandem with the Wabi Sabi culture of "the beauty of imperfection", and how that shows up within you.
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