Creating Rituals
“The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance
to the soul than their simplicity might suggest.”
- Thomas Moore
I read somewhere once that the daily rituals of living are not the rules of routine, but are the touches of passion that keep the heart beating. Isn’t that a lovely thought? I have been for some time now, trying to establish simple ~ but beautiful ~ rituals into my daily schedule that enhance the quality of my day. Of course the “rules of routine” exist as well: the dishes, the laundry, the cleaning, etc… but those little special rituals keep my heart refreshed and give me something to look forward to.
Ideas for creating rituals:
~ Morning coffee and a quiet time with Jesus
~ Reading the newspaper
~ Crossword puzzles
~ Story time with your child
~ Snuggling with your kitties or puppies
~ Afternoon Tea
~ A 20 minute nap
~ Checking favorite blogs
~ Daily walks
~ Pursuing a hobby
~ Light candles at dinnertime
~ Reading a good magazine
~ Evening Bubble Baths
~ Giving yourself a manicure
~ Spending time in the garden
~ Buying fresh flowers for your home
~ Praying & singing with your children before bedtime
~ A yummy Caribou Coffee stop with your Spouse
~ Bringing a blanket and a favorite book to a nearby park
~ A quick phone call to a friend
~ Listening to Worship Music while you work
Some rituals may be a once-in-a-while thing… while some may be ones that you want to incorporate into your daily routine to inspire and refresh you. It may be as simple as grinding your own coffee beans because you enjoy the taste. I’ve been learning to make even those little things a part of life… make it special!
I love to get feedback on posts… I’m sure you all have your own rituals that you love to keep. Please share!
“The small things in life are often so much bigger than the great things…
the trivial pleasures like cooking, one’s home, little poems,
solitary walks, funny things seen and heard…”
~Barbara Pym
Tags: Home, Inspiration
A morning Green Smoothie!
Candlelight and Classical music with breakfast
Changing centerpieces by season or holiday
A good book + herbal tea
Weekly menu planning
I’m not very good at creating daily rituals, at least not ones I think of on purpose or are specifically meant to create beauty. I kind of do things haphazardly all over the place, but at least it usually leads to organization – I think.
I’ll have to think on this some. I have been trying to remember to light a candle more in the evenings, thanks to inspiration from Missy.
i just waxed eloquent and lost it so i will only say: my favorite ritual is coffee and cream, biscotti, a good book, with classical music floating through my little cabin in the woods. i always love to meet your latest candle fragrance as i enter your cozy home, too.