Too Hot: How to put intense energy on ice so you can actually deal with it

You know something needs to change but now isn’t a great time. Maybe you’re too overwhelmed, under-resourced, or just stuck in reactive mode to do the work. This simple ritual will help you find the space to calm the intensity down so that you can devote yourself to the tender work of actually shifting the energy.

This is a ritual for putting that overwhelming energy on ice so that you can have the space and energy to deal with it. It’s based heavily on methods I first learned from Jessica Lanyadoo a few years back and The Traveling Witch.

This ritual isn’t about controlling external circumstances or giving yourself a way out of the growth that needs to happen. It’s simply about chilling out the intensity that may have you stuck in reactiveness, overwhelm, or avoidance. This technique is to support yourself enough to be able to do the work.

Note: Multitasking doesn’t work at all and it especially doesn’t work in magical practices. The magic actually comes from your focused intention and energy. That means put the dog away and wait til the kids are asleep or the noisy roommates are at work before you undertake it.

Supplies

a piece of paper
something to write with
a freezer bag OR a freezer-safe container (double emphasizing freezer safe if you use a container instead of a bag. You don’t want something that can shatter)
a freezer
water
your undivided attention - the most important ingredient!

The Ritual

Be clear on where the overwhelm is strong. Know exactly where you just need to chill out so that you can breathe and create some space. If you’re unclear on this, spend some time with the inquiry, looking without judgment at this area until you find clarity.
When you’re clear on the one thing you need to put on ice, proceed. Don’t try to do this for a million things at once. Remember: focus is our goal.
Get super present with the energy of that person or thing. This is key! Feel into that energy and bring it to the forefront. This is the energy you’re seeking to calm so that you can have the space to be ready to deal with it properly.
Remaining super present with that energy, write down the name of that thing that you want to put on ice. If it’s a relationship, it will be that person’s name. Jessica gave the example of someone who needed to cool down his overwhelm about credit card debt so that he could be clear enough to tackle it, so he wrote debt on his paper.
Put that paper in your bag or freezer-safe container.
Fill the container with water, seal it, and stick it in the freezer out of sight.
It can take a month or so for you to notice a change. The goal is to cool things down so you're able to work on shifting the dynamic of the situation or relationship via your response to it.
When things have cooled down enough for you, take it out of the freezer and toss it.