I mention this because this innocent past time started out more or less as a comforting habit, something I would do every morning without really thinking about it. But it has evolved to become a cherished moment of equanimity and gentle focus on the present--a habit that grounds and sustains me as I start my day.
Habits mould and shape us, so it is important to consider what effect they may be having. The discovery of my habit-turned-ritual was the result of happy accident, but I believe it may be better to be a little more deliberate, as a ritual is, essentially, a particular kind of habit, one that should be specially designed to nourish and sustain us. So, what makes a good ritual?
A ritual should have the effect of rooting us in the present moment, of eliciting a state of psychological warmth, and peacefulness. It should be simple. It can be long or short, but whatever the length, that should be a time of focused attention and awareness on whatever we are doing in the moment we are in.
Rituals help keep us centered and on track. They embody our core values, and aid in restoring our natural vitality. They are a sort of silent prayer, a time to commune with the universe and acknowledge the mystery that life is.
I have a simple ritual...what is yours?
