Writing Prompt #1: We engage in daily ritual

[Open Heart Project]

Where have you noticed rituals that arose naturally, whether related to spiritual practice or not? What could you add to your practice to reinforce the magic of ritual?

[Betsy Loeb]

I chose the following ritual:
Twice a day, walking my sweet 15.5 year old dog. I think this is a very special, personal ritual. It has a beginning, middle and end. She and I are united in our love for walking. Begin with setting the stage: going to the back door, putting on her leash and recently giving her eye drops.
Middle: walking one of a familiar set of paths in the neighborhood. These are chosen based on weather, my schedule and her energy. Regardless we share this…just the 2 of us. Sometimes I listen to a podcast (often Susan’s or other talks), or focus to the beauty of nature that surrounds us, or come across neighbors and we have delightful little chats.
End: finishing the walk at the back gate. Her going through the yard and me meeting her at the side porch door.

Now as I reflect on the teachings, I think I could be more intentional with appreciating the magic of this time we have together. This past year her older age is starting to show itself. I want to appreciate the teachings from the 4 Reminders especially with regards to “impermanence and death”.

What I could add:
I think I could slow down. At the start, reflect on how I’m feeling, be more present. In the middle, slow down-slow down, relax. In the end, reflect on how I’m feeling and with gratitude acknowledge the benefits of this experience and wish it for all.

[Naomi Brining]

So many rituals!
The ritual I have in the morning before work.
The ritual I have in the morning when I’m off.
The before bed ritual.
And then all the ones in between.

Imbedded in my life so deeply that it happens without me even noticing sometimes.

Unfortunately, I haven’t treated meditation this way. (that could maybe be a good thing?)
But what I mean is that I haven’t prioritized it enough for it to become rote.
Meditation becomes the thing that I allow to fall off when I’m lying to myself about how much time I don’t have.
I have made the intention to change this.
Beginning with changing one thought at a time and trying desperately to avoid self judgement.
Believing that even small steps count.

To add more magic to ANY of my rituals, but especially meditation, I will try and find AND celebrate each step forward and I will try to show myself compassion when I have not “shown up” as I had hoped or planned.

[Betsy Loeb]

Naomi, I think small steps do count! Best to you as you continue to make small steps and not to be hard on yourself…self-compassion is hard for me, but it is so powerful…magic!

[Author]

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