The goal of the burning bowl ritual is to make space for new beginnings. It can be done at any place, at home alone or in a gathering with others.

Each January, Unity invites all to join in a nondenominational burning bowl ceremony as an alternative to setting resolutions for the new year. Anyone can submit a release in advance. Submissions from across the world are burned together during the live streamed event.

Letting Go Gives Us Freedom

For centuries, indigenous groups used smoke as a symbol of their thoughts and prayers rising to the Great Spirit. Engaged couples have also released the past in a burning bowl before taking their vows.

Whatever the circumstances, the purpose of the ceremony is to shift consciousness. It’s about becoming still, naming what you want to release, and letting it go.

When we let go and let God, we experience freedom. Letting go opens us to the power of inspiration, insight, wisdom, and love.

Write What You wish to release.

How does it really work? You can start by asking yourself “what it is I wish to release”? Let the ideas and thoughts come to you.

Then, write down your release. Letting go begins the moment you put pen to paper. It is your conscious awareness that begins the activation of the release of problems, thoughts, and things from your life.

It can be as simple as a name or word, or more in-depth. Let your heart open,  releasing old wounds, negativity, or unhealthy thoughts.

Visualize the Vanishing Paper Taking Your Thoughts

Next you can begin the fire ceremony.

If you are at home, choose a safe place, light a fire in a pot or bowl, or gather around a fireplace or firepit. Then drop your paper into the fire. As you watch the paper burn{in our case vanish as we use flash paper) visualize your unwanted thoughts rising up in the smoke, being released from you.

Experience whatever you are feeling: fear, anxiety, sadness, loss, gratitude. Let the feelings go as the fire consumes your paper.

Offer an Affirmation of Release

Bring the ceremony to a close with an affirmation. As the smoke travels up, say words of letting go such as:

Today I release what I don’t want. I let go and let Spirit do the work in this sacred experience. In this, I am healed and renewed. I open my heart to love, and I am blessed with peace, joy, and harmony.