The Ritual

Life rituals are those steady beats in life (as in music) that keep us moving smoothly, naturally and almost effortlessly once truly learned and ingrained.  Rituals help us get over daily obstacles, temptations and moments that just aren’t inherently that peaceful or good for us.  They are a way to LOVE ourselves– which everyone should work on and not just on Valentine’s Day.

Rituals help me avoid the idea that I have to over eat or take in way more sugar than I should. One ingrained ritual in my life currently is to make a pot of Bengal Spice Tea in the evening, (around 10:00pm) which is the time my husband usually comes home from work and eats dinner.  I want to spend a cheerful time with him, but for the sake of my health and weight it cannot consist of eating more food.  So, instead of that time feeling like a difficult chore of craving resistance, I enjoy my husband’s company AND a pot of  my spicy and somewhat sweet hot tea (no sugar or artificial sweeteners included!). 

Another ingrained ritual is my morning prayer / meditation time.  This starts me on the right foot for the day, clarifies my focus and mission.  It doesn’t always happen in the same places, however, due to scheduled commitments, BUT it does happen!!  My meditations happen at home, in my car, on the treadmill and the sauna at my gym.  The Ritual is that it DOES happen and, rightly so in the morning, before all the other business and stress of the day begins. 

Rituals can be added on to, replaced with ones more salient to your life, or just changed up for the entertainment of it all.  I, have just taken on a NEW ritual lately. Granted, it has only been for 4 days, but I LIKE it!!  When I’m at home and eating a meal, I’m usually tempted to get a sweet to round it off. Not good!   On the good end though, I’ve been wanting to get back to my piano playing.  So, I decided to trade the BAD in for the GOOD, and once a meal is done, I get right on the piano and practice away.  I now have three pieces (simple ones) that I’m working on this very minute!  For me this is pure joy. 

​Rituals are a wonderful practice to add to your life; seek them, and incorporate them. If they don’t feel right, then ditch them and try another one or two. Look for those rituals that bring you joy, and direct you to LIFE, nothing but a THRIVING LIFE! 
Coaching-Pearl Moments
February 15, 2017