“When change comes, you gotta slow down and take note of it.
In the midst of that change is all the possibility in the world.”
~ Dr. Bertice Berry
Our lives are constantly changing, as is the world around us. The global pandemic has been a most poignant reminder of this truth. Any time we experience such deep disruption, our longest-held rituals certainly provide some of the guidance, centering, and healing we most need. And yet there’s a call, an unexpected opportunity, to take stock of how we do things. Which of our rituals continue to nourish our lives, express our values, deepen our sense of wonder and awe? And which are in need of our tending — a thoughtful tune-up, if you will. Which might you even be ready to release in order to create space for something new?
- Begin with Gratitude. “In this moment, I’m grateful…”
- Reflect. Once grounded in gratefulness, take time to do some reflective writing guided by the following questions: Is there a ritual that is important to me but has somehow become disconnected from its intended purpose? Are the rituals in my life aligned with my values? Do my holiday rituals satisfy my soul? Does my daily ritual nourish me in the ways it once did?
- Tune Up/Let Go. Explore these questions and see where they take you. It’s possible you’ll find that there’s nothing you want to change and that your reflection is deeply affirming. How wonderful! For most of us, though, we will likely land on an opportunity to deepen, revise, or even let go. If so, how will you go about making this change? Whose support might you need? If you’re ready, commit to some next steps for starting the tune-up process.
Deepening Resource:
The Renewing Power of Ritual by Fabiana Fondevila
We invite you to share your reflections below.
Enjoy the full seven-day Tending the Rituals of Our Lives practice.
This year has brought so much change. Move across country, career change, COVID, new empty nester….This has helped me reflect on what I need to let go of to move forward. Change is inevitable. Holding on to the past is a choice.
Yes, Margie, Liz and Anna- I miss singing in our church choir, too, and catching up with church family after the service.( I think the music can reach the heart without being filtered by the head.)
‘Zoomed’ services have shown new skills and different people are able to use them, so I’m grateful for that.
A prayer for you, Jeannette, to make the right decision. How lovely that today’s practice has spotlit things for you.
I am on leave from work to care for and be with my husband who had a massive heart attack in January and survived. He is on the mend, for which I am very grateful. But now… I am wondering if I should return to work or retire. The questions in today’s reflection hit the heart of the dilemma: Does my daily ritual/work nourish me in the ways it once did? Has a ritual/ work somehow become disconnected from its intended purpose? Am I ready to release/retire in order to create space for something new? To retire is to let go of a professional identity, colleagues, pride in what I do, a social standing and so much more. What is waiting for me on the other side of “the door”? These questions I will continue to wrestle with. Please pray for me to have clarity in this decision. ☯️
Once I start to think about it, our lives are full of rituals. So many of which we lost to the pandemic. No wonder I’ve been adrift!
This makes me realize the importance of new rituals. And I am beginning them with a grateful heart.
Thank you.
Yes, the ritual of going to church is a ritual that I, for a long time, have felt less meaningful. I’ve tried to understand why I go when so many of the Christian tenants are ones I think have been misinterpreted. The music is the main pull, and the people I am always glad to see. One thing about zoom…I am beginning to know people better or on a different level. But streaming church is very difficult to stay focused.
Singing in a choir is still an important ritual and is greatly missed during these forced separations.
I am waiting to see if these rituals will become important again.
Thank you Margie for expressing my thoughts! Like you I am drawn to the Liturgy through the music. I sing in our little choir. The words and notes truly resound within me as praise and gratitude to God. Much missed now!
Dear friends, I also miss my little parish choir …
We meet on zoom, learn some hymns on our own while listening to the recordings of our choir director.
But it’s hard to rehearse in person and even sing, there are so many restrictions.
However we are studying, as soon as the vaccination campaign ends and the rules of the government, the region, and the parish will allow it, we will be ready!
Went to Ash Wednesday Mass last night. It was different – sprinkling on the head versus mark of the cross on the forehead. Oh what an interesting change and so glad for it! Grateful for it !