The whistling of the birds beckon me to the back porch every morning and there I sit for some time savoring the break of day, looking out into the woods, enjoying the peaceful vibes before I have to get dressed and leave for work. The truth is, this simple act has become a ritual, an ordinary one at that; it sets the stage for my day and I look forward to it with a calming sense of anticipation. Ritual surrounds us. They sprinkle our days with anticipation and engage us in ordinary actions that are likely to bring us comfort and peace. The simple act of looking out into the garden and the woods beyond has become a ritual which sets the tone of my day and anchor me in the belief of the power of the Universe and the beauty of Nature in spite of what may lie ahead.

And this I believe is the power of ritual. It is that calming force of ordinary symbolic actions in which we participate every day without having to seek permission from anyone; without having to pay a due and often without needing any supporting resources. This is soulful empowerment which restores our capacity to continue our journey and renew our faith in what it means to be human. Of course, there are other rituals broader in scope such as the ritual of birthday celebrations, baptisms, cultural ceremonies, and family fellowships including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners among others. These rituals cement our connection to others and strengthen our faith in the circle of life to which we belong. These activities are a significant beat within the larger rhythmic pattern of our existence as members of a family, an ethnic group, a cultural tribe or religious group and they are just as important as those rituals we perform by ourselves, for together they restore our soul. They empower us and confirm our path on the journey towards peace and fulfillment as we seek to understand the essence of our humanity.

I believe that rituals help us to take a break from the pressures of life and enliven our spirit.

One Love, Marvalous!!!