The Craft of Ritual: What Sticks, What Resonates?
When responding to that big question, my friend Helen describes a habit as an unconscious trait, a response, an action, an emotion that becomes part of your personality because you’ve repeated it so many times; whereas a ritual is something that you apply meaning to and has more presence in your life. These lines have changed my perception of ritual, and on that premise, I realise I am better at ritual than I am habit! I admit to being dazzled by the next ‘shiny’ thing that excites me and inspires me; I err on in consistency, however I’ll never give up on trying to form ‘good’ habits, but I do acknowledge that transient trait!
My daughters know only too well of my propensity for trying new skills. When keeping bees, I tried my hand at skep-making by author
Despite that, this week I’ve enjoyed the repetitive nature of throwing the same conical shape with specific dimensions at the base and for the aperture, as potter Simon Leach says, “Keep practicing!” I’m enjoying the process immensely!
My Levitating Cups by author
As I’m throwing with such strict parameters, I feel a similar sense of presence and connection as I do when I’m looking for mermaid tears at Ayrmer Cove. Perhaps from Helen’s rationale, I’ve not yet created my habit; the skills I am trying to perfect are very much in the realm of conscious incompetence, and maybe I will make a shift to the unconscious competence once the habit is formed and I make with added intentionality.
In my desire to create beneficial patterns that will result in a better ‘me’, I’m beginning to think that I turn to ritual, hence why I have a quandary over the definition. Is a habit mindless or less mindful? Perhaps a more scientific approach is needed and the creation of a dichotomous key — I’ve always found safety and satisfaction in those! Knowing which tree is which, syphoning off superfluous information.
Having spoken about my not wanting to incite people’s sentimentality with items, my reading this week makes me want to add that nor do I want to shape their idea of ritual too much — social control is not my thread: curiosity is the value that drives my loom!
Not quite a loom, but I had a go at spinning cotton in Yonago with Itonaya by author
I listened to Prune Harris talk about us having a natural abundant vitality; it being a crucial part of who we are visibly and physically, and how we are being impacts on everybody and everything around us. This to me pertains to why then those rituals we weave into our routines, help us to be our authentic selves, and validate us to consciously help others be their best selves. After all, she says, we are human beings, not human doings!
She goes on to say how our social idea of productivity is quite limited… If you think of your to do list, why wouldn’t you have added that you’ve taken time out of your day to realign yourself? Surely you are then less likely to miss something in your day that helps you be your best self — That moment you lingered in the quiet of your mind, may have fortuitously benefited someone else in your sphere too.
I do have an annoying habit of showing off with a headstand… literally anywhere! But being upside down feels beneficial, so why not? By Oscar
Are you aware of any spontaneous method or technique you do frequently that brings you back to a moment of right here, right now? Mum is a self-described ritualistic handwritten list-maker. I reckon this is her innate way of centring herself… I only have to open my diary, and out pop a few lists! I consider this an inherited trait.
Is it that forming of letters into words that brings the subconscious into play? Journalling is perhaps a more popular form — have you tried it? Share your presence with me!
One of Mum’s wondrous doodly lists by Diane Lesirge
