How the wellness founder, writer, aromatherapist, and yogi is moving through life, one ritual at a time.
– KEYS SOULCARE
Jen Tardif has a multidimensional way of looking at the world. On any given day, the 3rd Ritual founder shows up as a mother, writer, aromatherapist, meditation teacher, and an entrepreneur. But even more impressive than the way she juggles so many roles is the way she pulls off her tasks with a kind-meets-cool factor.
Here’s how she approaches her days, one ritual at a time.
How do you blend your family rituals and personal wellness journey into what you do?
I used to diligently separate church and state in the sense that I had a ‘professional persona’ at work, a more open and vulnerable approach to yoga, and a silly side that was exclusively reserved for my family and closest friends.
Compartmentalizing is exhausting, at least in my experience, so removing the barriers between work and play has always been part of our mission [at 3rd Ritual]. We set out to create an offering that bridges the gap between several seemingly opposing forces — like modern tools and ancient techniques, or authentic wellness and minimal design — in a way that makes it safe to show up as our whole, imperfect, ever-evolving selves.
What’s the significance of the word “ritual” for you?
There are a few necessary ingredients when distinguishing ritual from routine. Namely: reverence, repetition, and time. There is a formality imbued in ritual that manifests as a series of small acts adorning a moment in time. From rites of passage to silent ceremonies to grandiose celebrations, rituals are rich in cultural significance. They function as tangible tools for transition, preservation, and returning to one’s values, lineage, or intention.
What rituals are you relying on these days?
I meditate every morning, but as a mom, I always like to remind folks that anything goes! Yes, you can meditate in bed or in the bath. It doesn’t matter what it looks like since it’s not a performative act. It’s all about how it feels. How still can you become, first in body, then in mind, and then, how gentle can you be with yourself as you navigate the ups and downs of daily life? It’s called a practice for a reason.
What are ways you use your senses to lean into ritual?
I’m biased, but I’m a big believer in aromatherapeutic rituals like palm inhalation or self-massage. Scent is a beautiful anchor that can lead us deeper into the cave of presence.
What inspired your podcast 3rd Ritual Retreat?
Although there was no shortage of Zoom sessions and IGTV lives [when we launched it], we couldn’t get down with video. It felt antithetical to the practice as we’re constantly inviting participants to close their eyes.
Like everything that we create, the podcast is meant to be a tool, an auditory tapestry of voices ready and waiting to guide you whenever you’re in need of a container, context, or inspiration for your practice.
When do you have your best ideas?
Unfortunately, before bed [haha]. When I’m doing my best to relax and chill with my husband, ideas will start flowing. It’s hard to shut off that creative streak, but I’m grateful, as it’s a clear indication that this is a labor of love.
I’m a fan of notebooks and have always kept a separate 3rd Ritual Journal. It is a great way to capture late night thoughts while adhering to my screen time curfew.
You’ve said, “When you move half as fast, you notice twice as much.” How can we apply that to our lives in such a chaotic, precarious-feeling moment?
We’ve been so conditioned to believe that speed equals success. But I think this year has, if nothing else, taught us that burnout is real. In a sea of constant information, relentless news cycles, social media-induced FOMO, and productivity as a false promise for perfection, we are faced with a very real choice: either step off the self-imposed treadmill or burnout. I highly suggest the former as an act of self-preservation.
The more you practice noticing, the more easily you’ll be able to replace FOMO with gratitude, and perfection with practice. Mindful living is about using the power of awareness to cultivate abundance… and it works.
What’s nudging you toward ritual and release when you can make it happen? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Photo Credit: Maya Moverman
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