Restoring Rituals––for Your Health’s Sake
Last week I opened the topic of rituals. Let’s continue.
What is it about rituals or traditions that we either embrace them or emphatically break away from them? We are thick into the season of rituals and traditions and I am hearing all manner of comments––for and against.
Let’s review what we are talking about for the purposes of this article:
A ritual is any practice or pattern of behavior regularly performed in a set manner.
A tradition is the handing down of beliefs, customs, information, etc. from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or practice.
A routine is a regular procedure; habitual or methodical commonplace tasks, such as daily chores.
We may believe our schedules or routines don’t allow us to revel in ritual, but even the simplest engagement in ritual shows a notable effect on our brain and our behavior––according to numerous studies on the topic. What our grandmothers knew by heart and passed along to our generations is now impressing the science communities.
When I searched current science articles I found more than I imagined. Rituals are alive and well. There may be more publicity on the pregame/performance rituals of professional athletes or celebrities than in other areas of life, but the research is abundant.
Did you know:
Michael Jordan wore two pairs of basketball shorts for every game he played? One pair for the Bulls team, the other pair from his UNC college days. Did that ritual lead him to all his great wins?
Serena Williams wears the same pair of socks (no laundering them) for every game throughout a tournament.
Tiger Woods wears red shirts as his winning color during tournaments.
Curtis Martin (former NY Jets) read Psalm 91 prior to each game.
Beyonce’ sits in a massage chair while getting her hair/makeup done prior to performing, then she leads her musicians and singers in stretching and a prayer before going on stage.
Whether you consider it superstition or ritual, the process prepares the performer for their upcoming activity. The research found that rituals positively influenced peak performance. I learned a few new things!
My personal rituals are rather simplistic by comparison, but they serve me. For me, rituals reach my heart. They keep me connected to my past, comfort me in my present moments and offer encouraging intention for my future. I love seasonal rituals that cause me to feel like I belong to- in-with the season. I invite you to take a few moments to consider how rituals may be enhancing your daily tasks.
During my info-gathering, I found a list of reasons/opportunities we include rituals:
• Historical: Keeps family, cultural occasions alive and meaningful
• Familial: Birth; puberty; marriage; pregnancy; anniversary; death; family meal at the table
“Happy families don’t grow on trees. They grow around the dinner table.” (from Simply Organic Foods)
• National: Has America back-slid from rituals? Patriotism? The Pledge of Allegiance?
• Health: Seasonal cleanse; bath/bedtime ritual; “silence sabbatical;” morning ritual; health screening rituals
• Seasonal: First day of Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter; First snow; Farmer’s Market opening day
• Religious: Baptism; Advent; Communion
Some interesting––even humorous––facts from the research showed that food and beverages taste better when we indulge in a ritual before eating/drinking. One example cited was the Happy Birthday song being sung (usually off-key) before cutting into the cake. Have you noticed that your cake tastes better when this ritual is observed? The conclusion is that rituals enhance enjoyment of food and drink.
The studies also suggested that it is our association to the food or drink with familiar people or events in our lives––the relationship factor. I believe that is what our grandmothers knew in their hearts.
Here are a few thoughts on creating––or cultivating––a ritual that may become part of your healthy and harmonious life:
• Intentionally choose what you want this ritual to accomplish
• Plan the details to simply and meaningfully fit your intention
• Create a space to to support your ritual (if this applies)
• “Rouse your senses” with your ritual. Let your taste, smell, touch, hearing and vision be stimulated in some way (soothing music, candles, magnificent view, hot tea, floral arrangement, etc.).
• Thought starters: Bedtime story and tuck in kids; dinnertime with family at the table, share an experience; begin the day with a gratitude declaration; plan a mother-daughter or girlfriends annual event;
Whether you are striving for peak performance on the court or in the workplace or if you are seeking a quiet moment, check in to see if your rituals are serving you––and your health.
Savor the Season.
Crunchy Pear and Celery Salad
Serves 6
4 stalks celery, trimmed and cut in half crosswise
2 Tablespoons fruit cider (pear, raspberry or other fruit vinegar)
2 Tablespoons honey (locally grown)
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 ripe pears (Red Bartlett or Anjou) diced
1 cup finely diced white cheddar cheese
1/2 cup chopped pecans, toasted in a skillet over low-medium heat for 2-4 minutes
6 large leaves Butterhead or other lettuce
Freshly ground pepper to taste
• Soak celery in bowl of ice water for 15-minutes. Drain and pat dry. Cut into thin slices
• Whisk fruit vinegar, honey and salt in a large bowl until well blended
• Add pears and stir gently to coat
• Add the celery, cheese, and pecans; stir to combine. Season with pepper.
• Place one lettuce leaf on each of 6 plates and top with a portion of salad. Serve at room temperature or chilled.
Connie’s Comments: from The Wise Woman’s Almanac: A Seasonal Guide with Recipes for New
Beginnings that Never Go Out of Season
Celery is an alkaline food, high in natural sodium and silicon (the “youth” maintainer) and helps
balance high protein meals. The high Vitamin-C content boosts the immune system.
Pears are an excellent source of water soluble fiber; contain more pectin than apples (tones
intestines, moistens lung tissue, lowers cholesterol) and are a good energy food in cold weather.
Apple could be used instead of pear.