Rhythm and Ritual In Your Day? #29

Aug 15, 2020 | Personal Development

A few years ago I saw how important rituals were in life and that rituals were essential to life balance – a key to a happy and successful life.  A huge part of achieving this balance was to instill rituals and routine into my everyday life.

Like probably many of you, I strive to have that balance – a balanced diet, have time to myself, reflect, exercise, yoga or stretching, journaling, goal setting, time with children, all of those things the self help books tell us are good for us. Are you with me? 

But, no way is it essential to have a pre prescribed formula of “to-do’s” to have that more balanced life. We all have the resources, an inner knowing that can create a life of more relevance, balance, and ritual. 

I noticed during the pandemic, the things that were most essential stayed a part of my day, and others dropped out, beautiful new things came in, and changed as my whole rhythm of my day.

My day had more authentic ritualistic patterns that were filled with more joy, predictability, communion, reverence, and beauty in my life. 

I don’t want to underestimate the loss and hardships many have had to endure during this time. 

For sure Covid-19 has shifted a lot of things dramatically for many of us. 

I want you to take a moment and think of some of the good things that have emerged since March. 

The one thing I have added into my day that has become a daily ritual is swimming with a friend each morning in a private, sacred spot in nature. We’ll swim or you might call it water bathing for about an hour or so. It is refreshing, exhilarating, and great exercise. I look forward to this new ritual everyday. I absolutely love it. 

It is the simple things that can be the most meaningful and eloquent... I dusted off my mother’s cast iron table and chair set and plopped it down among my flower garden. It’s been our favorite place to have dinner, enjoy a cool drink, or chat with a friend. 

Although each of my days are slightly different, we definitely have a regular rhythm to our days. My son Patrick, who has Down Syndrome will be the first to keep us in the flow of those rhythms.  By 3:00 pm the frozen chocolate protein shakes are made and ready to be served. It is time to relax and enjoy. 

Our daily rhythm has changed as has my awareness of how important and significant ritual is for all of us. And, how it is every bit as essential and compelling as our need for food, shelter, and love. Ritual feels good. It’s instinctual. The practice provides a sense of comfort especially when times are uncertain. 

Do you have rituals in your life? 

Have you noticed or added rituals since the pandemic? 

How are these rituals benefiting your life? 

Maybe your ritual is having a cup tea and calling a friend each afternoon, or taking a walk on the beach each evening. The ritual is a time of rest and adds structure and predictability in life. When things are predictable and rhythmic, we truly relax. We all need that. 

Cultures throughout the world have various practices of rituals and ceremonies to enhance creativity, joy, connection and spirituality. It is not surprising that throughout the world cultures acknowledge these practices as foundational. 

Years ago I studied the works of German Philosopher, Rudolph Steiner, and his education model for young children. In a nutshell, much of his educational philosophy for young children was based on the unfolding of the child’s day, the predictability, and the need for celebration and ritual for creativity and healthy social development.

Rhonda Curtis wrote, “ritual expands our horizons to aspects of life beyond daily requirements.”” Rituals give the events we experience in our lives meaning, and our lives themselves a sense of purpose. Because a ritual requires preparation and thoughtfulness, they help us shift from “to-do” mode to “into doing”.

Take a moment to think about your day. 

How do the things you do serve you?

Do you have rituals? 

What things in your day are predictable? 

What parts of your day are fun and bring you joy? 

What part of your day is a struggle? 

If you are struggling to find a ritual in your life, start by making something that brings you joy a ritual. A ritual doesn’t have to be a rigid ceremony to have value. Make whatever you choose a practice and before you know it, it’ll be a part of what you feel like you need to do. It takes only a few days to start this practice.  

Ask a friend to partake in this practice with you. Rituals are not necessarily solitary. Share in this practice with another. 

I would love to hear about your rituals. You can always email me at lisa@lisajollimois.com or comment below.

I am Lisa Jollimois. I am a personal development coach for women who want to transform their lives. If you need more support getting through this current crisis, contact me. Or if you need support naturally maintaining your weight, rewriting your story, exploring new possibilities for an empty nest, or feeling stuck. I can help act as a guide to get your life into action.

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Big Hugs,