“Rituals are the formulas by which harmony is restored.”
-Terry Tempest Williams
-Terry Tempest Williams
Ahhhhh, back home again after driving 1,478 miles over 22 hours followed by two flights and two airports! Even after only three nights away, senses were heightened. West Virginia’s rolling hills contrasted with Colorado’s open sky and majestic mountains. After traveling we notice more of what we’re use to seeing.
Driving through Kansas, Missouri, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and West Virginia created a huge sense of freedom. The openness inspired hopeful possibility. Can we also discern “more” after our At Home Journeys, despite the trauma of our times? How might we feel inspired to live fully now?
Answer: Strengthen daily routines, our “Life enhancing Rituals”, a term coined by Harvard professor, Dr. Kleinman.
During the height of Covid-19 Kleinman recommended care for ourselves, as if our life depended on it:
“…A plague, as Albert Camus knew, is the moment to ask what life is for. The response to Covid-19 suggests one answer: care for yourself and others. So take a breath and take the time to change the daily rituals that make up life. Throw yourself into them
as if your life were at stake, which it is.”
The same rigor applies to re-entering community. Perhaps your re-entry point has been through a Black Lives Matter protest, taking a stand in your life. Continue to move forward with heightened awareness. Not without some anxiety and trepidation, we’re on a Re-Entry Road.
Whether the journey is near or far, taking care of ourselves, the Inner Journey, affords us success on the Outer Journey. Thoughtful and regular care of mind, body and spirit will dramatically impact our engagement and ability to succeed.
“For me starting the day without a pot of tea would be a day forever out of kilter.”
― Bill Drummond
1. At Home Habits Take a look at the last three months At Home. What daily activities supported your well being? Continue to incorporate these healthy habits as much as you can.
“A Daily ritual is a way of saying that I’m voting for myself; I’m taking care of myself.”
– Mariel Hemingway
2. Post Covid-19 Routines How about now? What routines feed emotional, spiritual and physical health? Perhaps if an extrovert you need more than online interactions. Set up a time to actually see friends in a safe social distancing way. Exercise is a “Must Have”. Commit to a morning activity, take your vitamins, and watch carefully what you ingest into your body. We’ve all experienced stress in our bodies so treat this “holy vessel” with great care. It’s never too late to start a Mindful Eating practice, too.
“The human soul can always use a new tradition. Sometimes we require them.”
― Pat Conroy
3. Spiritual practices post Covid-19 (I’m not referring to online church; although attending a virtual service works, too.) should focus on setting an intention, being very clear everyday about how you want to show up. During disruption, we need an anchor, a “place” to return to again and again. Be clear about what matters most to you and create a phrase that describes your intention for the re-entry time period. You’ll know when it’s time to change the intention. Meditating, journaling and a gratitude practice might also help.
Transitions are never easy. We don’t exactly know what society will look like in the near future. Our only choice is to commit to living our values and caring for ourselves and others. Find your rituals on The Re-Entry Road and live happier and more productive than ever before. The year, 2020, might not be such a bust after all!
