The Alchemy of Everyday Devotion
What is a ritual?
At its simplest, a ritual is a set of actions or behaviors performed in a particular way, often repeatedly, and usually with some degree of intention or meaning attached to them.
Rituals can be personal or cultural. They can be religious, spiritual, social, or completely secular. They can mark important transitions, create a sense of belonging, provide structure, or help us connect with something meaningful.
A wedding ceremony is a ritual.
A funeral is a ritual.
Lighting candles in prayer is a ritual.
Gathering around the table for a holiday meal is a ritual.
Even the morning routine you repeat every day can become a ritual.
Ritual doesn’t necessarily require religion.
It doesn’t require spirituality.
And it certainly doesn’t require an altar.
Ritual is repetition imbued with meaning.
And that’s where this conversation gets interesting.
Because most of us have far more rituals than we realize.
