The last couple of weeks I have been talking a lot about routine in my classes and posts. Now I want to go deeper and talk about RITUAL.

What's the difference you ask?

INTENTION. MEANING.

Some things may seem obvious as ritual: Blowing out birthday candles, the various elements of religious services, graduation ceremonies, dressing in costumes and passing out candy on Halloween, just to name a few.

Some things may seem obvious as routine: Brushing your teeth, letting your dog out in the morning, driving the same route to work.

However some things may be routine to one, but ritual to another: A morning cup of coffee or tea, a walk, a yoga practice.

The MEANING, INTENTION, FOCUS & SPECIFICITY that we choose to infuse into these routines is what can make them a ritual.

So why talk about ritual right NOW?

With the current global pandemic, and so much uncertainty, many of our routines have gotten flipped upside down or totally thrown out the window. It can be helpful, even essential, to be able to create rituals that help us process and make meaning out of what we're experiencing. This is not to say that rituals make everything rosy and happy. I think it is especially essential right now to have rituals that safely allow us to FEEL ALL of our emotions, all of the uncertainty and grief and loss. Rituals that allow us to SIT with what IS and not feel pressured to do more.

So I leave you with this: Take a few moments to notice how you feel right now-physically, emotionally, spiritually, energetically. There is no right or wrong. Just sit with what is. See what comes up. Try not to force it. It's also okay if it's hard to feel. Perhaps after just sitting and breathing for a few moments you feel compelled to do some movements, or to journal, to cry, to light a candle. Do what YOU need, what is meaningful for YOU. Explore gently and with compassion.

What are your favorite rituals? Share your thoughts in the comments!