

The Morning Ritual
Lilly Macfarlane
For centuries, rituals have offered a sense of structure, meaning, and clarity in daily life. The Morning Ritual is a podcast devoted to exploring the power of daily practices. Here, we believe that transformation doesn’t happen in a single moment, but in the quiet, consistent choices we make every day. By showing up for ourselves through ritual, we learn how to show up more fully for our relationships, our work, our communities — and the world.Each week, host Lilly Macfarlane sits down with teachers, artists, healers, and entrepreneurs to explore how their daily rituals help them stay grounded, clear, and aligned with their purpose. This podcast isn’t just for early risers or seasoned meditators. It’s for anyone curious about living with more presence, depth, and integrity. Rate, review & most importantly, enjoy! Let's connect! Don't be shy, please reach out on: www.lillybalch.com Instagram: @_themorningritual https://substack.com/@themorningritualThe Morning Ritual is produced by The Space (London).
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 27, 2023 • 48min
Penni Feiner & Geri Topfer on Living in Alignment with Your Purpose
Penni Feiner and Geri Topfer, the dynamic co-founders of be.still, candidly delve into their journeys, discussing topics such as navigating social anxiety, conquering addiction, embracing the power of service, and mastering the art of living with vulnerability and courage. These ladies are walking the walk and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from them. What we cover in today’s episode: {2:10} About Geri and how she transformed her social anxiety into authenticity {8:00} When/where did Penni discover mindfulness and how she’s navigating 40 years of sobriety {15:30} The power in giving back {33:15} What keeps these ladies balanced and living in alignment {37:00} “Same landscape, different eyes” and choosing how we respond to life. {46:05} Rapid fire questions. (Spoiler alert, Geri wakes up with a quad espresso!) Be.still provides customized mindfulness programming for innovative businesses prioritizing employee mental health. Their social impact partner, Kula for Karma, brings therapeutic yoga, meditation, and stress management programs to those recovering from mental health, trauma, and addiction challenges. Learn more about be.still and Kula for Karma here. Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’ Join the community today! And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 25, 2023 • 16min
Autumn Meditation: Slow Down & Nourish Yourself
This practice is designed to give you an extra boost of support as we transition from summer to winter. Fall is a great time to uplevel our self-care. In today’s episode we talk about: The importance of slowing down this season Demystifying self care Honoring our core needs Followed by a grounding meditation to check in with your wants and needs. Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’ https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/6y0k5f0 Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 20, 2023 • 36min
Understanding the Ego + Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Paulie Siegel
Paulie Siegel, co-host of the hilarious and insightful podcast 'Shit Talking Shrinks,' shares with us her definition of ego and how to skillfully work with it. I’m so excited to share this conversation with you and hope that you find it just as nourishing as I did. Short on time? Skip ahead: {2:22} Paulie’s definition of Ego {6:02} How to become less defensive {14:11} The ways in which our ego keeps us from meditating {17:40} Tapping into your divine masculine & divine feminine {21:56} Control and being okay with chaos {24:20} How to overcome Imposter Syndrome {29:15} Rapid-fire questions {31:45} Paulie makes fun of my morning baths Check out Shit Talking Shrinks and connect with Paulie here: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/shit-talking-shrinks/id1664254764 https://www.instagram.com/shittalkingshrinkspodcast/ Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Sep 18, 2023 • 12min
Solo Ep: Harness the Energy of Fall + the Power of Daily Rituals
Today it’s just you and me, no meditation and no guests. What we’ll cover: {2:10} Reintroduction to TMR and Lilly {4:15 } What ritual means to me {5:20} How to make the most of this seasonal shift from Summer to Fall {7:00 } Tips to refocus this Autumn Register for TMR’s FREE 4-week series, ‘Into the Body’ https://event.webinarjam.com/register/2/6y0k5f0 Check out Lilly’s favorite Fall rituals to realign and refocus - https://www.lillybalch.com/fallrituals Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Aug 28, 2023 • 16min
Meditation: Want To Be a Better Listener? Try This!
This simple yet effective technique is an easy way to integrate deeper listening into your daily life. This meditation will leave you feeling present, connected to yourself and ready to connect more deeply with others. DOWNLOAD THE FREE 'Become a Beter Listener' Worksheet + 2 reflective prompts here: http://www.lillybalch.com/activelistening Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.trybetterhelp.com/themorningritual Let's Connect Join the community https://themorningritual.substack.com/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=substack_profile or shoot me a DM on instagram @lillybalch And if you haven’t already, be sure to hit the subscribe button! Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Aug 21, 2023 • 14min
Meditation: Embrace Not Knowing
Mindfulness teaches us to sit with “not knowing” as a way to be more open and alive to the present moment. We can’t possibly know what's going to happen in the next moment so we can make our lives a lot more enjoyable if we can embrace the unknown. Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.trybetterhelp.com/themorningritual Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Aug 14, 2023 • 8min
Meditation: Find Clarity Through Stillness
Balance out all the doing with 7 minutes of stillness. Moments of mindful stillness allow your body and mind to relax and all you to open up to our fullest, wisest self. Have any feedback? We would love to hear from you. Access the feedback form here. Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Aug 7, 2023 • 10min
Meditation: Discover Your Purpose
Inspired by my recent conversation with CEO of Perform with Purpose, Ariel Naftali, this meditation explores the three questions you should be asking yourself to discover your purpose. This practice can be done seated, laying down or even walking! Have any feedback? We would love to hear from you. Access the feedback form here. Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Aug 2, 2023 • 36min
How to Find and Fulfill Your Purpose with Ariel Naftali
Ariel Naftali (CEO of Perform with Purpose) and I discuss the three pillars of your purpose map, imposter syndrome and practical steps to fulfilling your purpose. If you're seeking more purpose in your life this episode is for you!! Connect with Ariel at https://performwithpurposecoaching.com/ and book a call with her here: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule.php?appointmentType=19224529&owner=21563686 Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

Jul 31, 2023 • 15min
Meditation: Boost Self-Confidence and Know Your Worth
How can meditation help you build self-confidence, know your worth and shed-self doubt? Listen in to find out. In today’s episode we explore the importance of getting to know your inner-critic and how changing your relationship to your thoughts is KEY to building confidence. Download the FREE Inner Critic worksheet & journal prompts here: https://www.lillybalch.com/innercritic Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month of therapy by going to www.betterhelp.com/themorningritual Enjoying The Morning Ritual? Be sure to subscribe and connect with me on instagram @lillybalch for more. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands


