Do you have a routine or habit that you go through each day, and it no longer brings you joy? In this episode the conversation meanders to how can you change your intention to make a routine intentional so that it becomes a ritual you enjoy.
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Kellie writes:
For me the difference between a ritual and a routine is intention. As I write this, it is barely light out, I have a warm cup of coffee next to me, and a dog at my feet.
Every morning I wake up, let the pup out and make coffee – but often done with a sleepy head, it is more of a daily routine that I am just used to. However sometimes I go through phases when I want to ‘play’ with my coffee – I’ll run across a roaster that I really like, or experiment with roasting my own beans. In these times I always pay close attention to grind, measure and the ratios. I’ll plan ahead to make sure I allow time to get the perfect cup, and though I follow nearly the same steps as an average cup of joe day, I am so full of purpose and intent my process becomes a ritual. I stop, I savor and I inhale the fragrance. I take a little extra time preparing the alter of my coffee pot and I take a lot of extra time sitting with my cup of coffee without the computer, but probably with the puppy.
It feels like rituals should be something that we pay full attention to. As Juliette says in this blog post “… I become grounded, present in the moment. It is reassuring to know what we do next. It frees us to explore.” In my very small example I am using the exact same steps each time to explore the nuance of coffee. Zentangle allows us to explore lines, orbs and shapes with our pens. A tea ritual could provide an escape into new flavors and blends. And of course there is the ritual of holidays and celebrations which may vary from family to family but are often what bind generations together.
For me rituals also help me when I feel lost. Stepping into one, when you need to be centered is a comforting feeling. They need not be extensive or complicated, but make sure to participate with your full attention.
Juliette writes:
Rituals have existed throughout time and culture.
When you look in the dictionary a ritual is defined as a solemn ceremony consisting of a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order.
What does a ritual bring us?
Why do we need it?
Is it because it is reassuring to know the order, the routine?
Is it only as a celebratory practice?
What impact rituals have on our creativity?
This is what Kellie and I explore in this latest episode of TanglePod.
We talk about rituals as an opportunity to open us to the unexpected.
If we know the ritual, we may let ourselves go and learn to leave our self-judgement behind
We also talk about the Zentangle Method® and its 8 Steps.
The first one and last one being “Appreciate” or, as I see it, taking the time to savor and appreciate the moment, the process and the work.
We proceed step after step, in a series of actions performed according to a prescribed order. This may be a reason why I enjoy practicing this method.
In this ritual, I become grounded, present in the moment. It is reassuring to know what we do next. It frees us to explore.
This is a tangled work showing the steps.
Appreciate
1: Dots
2: Borders
3: String
4: Tangle
5: Shade
6: Sign
Appreciate
When do you find rituals of importance to you?
Could you give us an example of a ritual that enhances your creativity?