My faith tradition is Christianity. In that tradition, today begins one of the most holy seasons – Lent. For me, Lent means waiting and reflection. It also means paying attention to what’s happening and preparing for what’s about to happen.
As a kid, Lent meant I had to give up something I loved – like chocolate. It also meant I put the money I saved on chocolate in a mite box.
Over the years, my Lenten rituals have changed. I let go of something and observe fasting times. I’ve also added a couple of rituals to my life. One is bowls.
During Lent I place an empty bowl in each room of my home. Whenever I notice a bowl I stop; say a couple of prayers; spend some time in stillness and then offer prayers of thanks for the creator of that specific bowl. It’s kinda stunning how I notice the bowls less and less as Lent moves along. It’s also holy.
This bowl ritual reminds me to be open; to pay attention; and to MAKE time for additional stillness – for peace.
While rituals are often associated with religious/spiritual stuff, they’re also part of our other real world life. For example, an everyday ritual of mine is that before I go to bed each night, I put every pillow in my home back in ITS place. I do this so each morning I’ m reminded that every day is new.
What kind of rituals enrich your life?
Lisa’s Cheap Therapy blog 
I guess a ritual that enriches my life started about 27 years ago when I was student teaching. I drove and three other friends rode commuted with me every morning. We commuted over an hour and I was new to driving. SOOO…each morning and afternoon when we got in the car I said the following prayer:Dear God, Please keep us safe from any cuts, bumps,scrapes, bruises or accidents to us, the vehicle or anyone else. Amen!
I have continued to say that prayer all these years since everytime I get in the car for a trip.
Even my husband and children say the prayer now as part of our traveling mercies ritual!
I love your comments about rituals; this may not be a ritual but just as you, I tried getting up chocolate and all those delicious things. I am now trying~negative thoughts and sayings and asking God to help me continue this all year. I hope he considers this a sacrifice. I admire you so much and keep up the good work!!
Judi, what a beautiful prayer. THANKS for sharing it.
Corrine, LOVE your ritual. hope you’re OK if i join you in that one. deep and humble bows of THANKS!
Corrine and Lisa- Good luck with your chocolate-less ritual. I am sure God will appreciate your sacrifice!!!!
What a nice way to make prayer part of every day and every corner of your world. I think there’s a lot to be said about the little rituals that make up our lives.
Rachel, thanks, it works for me. couldn’t agree more that little rituals put a cool spotlight on the seemingly mundane/overlooked.
thanks for commenting!