Ritual

Ritual.

Although, the word ritual many times is defined through the lense of religion, it 

also can have a secular side. Its definition being, "an act or series of acts regularly repeated in a set precise manner."




In her book, How to Celebrate Everything, Jenny Rosenstrach lauds the importance of rituals in our lives. She states, "They bring comfort, connection, and meaning to our days, days that might otherwise just wind up blurring together."

What is it about children, and how they naturally bring ritual to our lives? When my daughter was young our lives were full of rituals. One school year we rode our bicycles to school each Friday. Another year we stopped for breakfast before school on Fridays. Our ritual gave us something to look forward to, and to celebrate each week. Of course, holidays are the easiest time to practice rituals as family traditions are passed down from one generation to the next. 

One thing I've noticed in my empty nester stage of life is that it doesn't include many rituals. Each day passes into the next, and even though that is not necessarily a bad thing, it makes me wonder if it would be richer with a few more rituals thrown in?

Rosenstrach's book shows how easily food can play into family rituals, and that
may be a starting point. However, her ideas are really food for thought when it comes to the possibilities of adding rituals to your life.