Have you ever experienced the following? You get up in the morning, power through a to-do list, and collapse into bed at night – only to wonder, Did any of that really matter? This has happened to me on more days than I care to admit!
That’s where rituals come in. Not as rigid routines or hollow habits, but rituals that help reinforce what matters most. Such rituals help us pause, reconnect, and live on purpose.
Rituals don’t need incense or silence (though you’re welcome to include both). A meaningful ritual could be as simple as placing a hand on your heart before starting the day, walking your dog without your phone, or pausing at sunset to notice the sky. One ritual that I’ve now begun using (picked this one up from Michael Singer) is to pause for a few seconds before starting anything new (whether that’s when I get in the car and I’m about to start the engine, or just before I open a door, or as I reach for the phone): I’ll take 1 conscious breath and say to myself, “I’ve been given the opportunity to live on the most amazing planet in the Universe; I’m about to [name the activity], and I intend to experience it fully.”
That may sound ridiculous, but I’ve found that this very simple, internal “conversation” with myself (which only takes a second or two) is beginning to do a couple of things for me. First, I am becoming more present and focused on whatever it is I’m about to do, rather than being “up in my head” with my nonstop thoughts and mental chatter. Second, I am experiencing more and more gratitude for the simple things in my life (being grateful for having the ability to open a door? Yup.). And that sense of gratitude and appreciation for the gift of life itself (that I was given without earning it or deserving it), lightens my mood and makes whatever happens next – even the most mundane of things – just a bit more pleasant. And who couldn’t use a bit more “pleasantness” in daily life?
The bottom line: the value of this ritual is bound up in the intention. This moment matters. I choose to be here for it.
How Rituals Align with The 3 Life Questions
- Living Authentically — Rituals invite you to return to your True Self, again and again. They carve out space to remember who you are—not just who the world expects you to be.
- Cultivating Meaningful Relationships — Shared rituals—whether it’s family dinner, a weekly walk with a friend, or a bedtime story—create sacred space for connection. They tell others, You matter. We belong to each other.
- Making the World a Little Better — Rituals ground you in presence. When you act from presence, your impact carries integrity. You become someone the world can trust.
Designing Your Own Grounding Rituals
- Choose One Daily Touchpoint — Mornings, mealtimes, transitions, or endings are perfect opportunities.
- Make It Personal — Light a candle. Breathe deeply. Recite a mantra. Or just sit in silence. The form doesn’t matter. The presence does.
- Let It Become a Compass — A good ritual doesn’t add more noise. It brings you back to center.
Your Challenge This Week:
Design a simple, soulful ritual that helps you align with one of The 3 Life Questions. Practice it daily. Not perfectly—just sincerely, with intention.