While we may think of ourselves as logical creatures, led predominantly by reason and data, for millennia rituals have shaped and continue to shape the way in which we lead our lives.
From obviously ritualistic behaviour like attending church and celebrating birthdays, to small rituals like the way we make our breakfast in the morning, personal rituals are integral parts of our lives that shape the way we think and feel.
Here, we look at why personal rituals are important, to help us understand these elusive actions and thoughts which are so fully integrated into our lives.
What are personal rituals?
On the subject of how a personal ritual is defined, the team of wellness and personal ritual experts at GREENHAUS say:
Rituals are structured activities that are carried out in specific ways, often slightly detached from pure practicality.
The function they serve is important, but their utility isn’t always simple to spot.
The value provided by a ritual is often accumulative and will differ from person to person.
Some may find them calming, some will appreciate the social aspect; something in common with all rituals however is that they provide meaning.
This is an integral part of their utility – performing an action for the sake of something more than material gain, sometimes even forsaking material possessions (such as indigenous tobacco offerings, or giving gifts at Christmas).
Rituals are practical – they do serve a purpose, but that practicality is one step removed from the action that is being performed.
Rituals create a sense of stability
Life is inherently tumultuous. Things don’t always go to plan, and life will invariably throw us challenges to deal with.
Having personal rituals can help with maintaining a sense of normality, serving to maintain a base pattern of daily life that remains constant when all else seems up in the air.
Rituals can ground us, bringing us back to reality when we get caught up in mental feedback loops and anxious patterns.
Through the imposition of a perceived sense of order on reality, rituals help us to feel a sense of certainty, allow us to predict what will happen day-to-day.
If I make sure that I sit down to write in my diary every day at a certain time, no matter what else happens in my life, I can be certain that will remain a constant.
Personal rituals like these give us a sense of control, whether real or perceived, that can help us cope with the rest of our life.
Personal rituals can be anything
If you’re wondering what your personal rituals might look like, or you’re looking to start new personal ritualistic behaviours for the benefits discussed above, the choice is almost limitless.
Personal rituals can consist of an incredibly varied range of behaviours and actions.
You could make sure that you brush your hair a certain way before going to bed, write down your thoughts before breakfast each day.
Rituals are positive as long as they serve their function and can be stopped at any time.
If rituals aren’t carried out with intent and regularity, they may cease to be rituals.
However, as you may have seen, the term ritual is broad enough that’s it’s hard to define, and it’s down to you to decide which behaviours enhance your quality of life.