We need regular doses of joy in our life – moments of pure delight and ecstasy. But these moments must be fought for. And here is where rituals can help.
Rituals are intentional actions to mark an experience – to name it as significant.
Weddings, funerals, and birthday celebrations are a few rituals that remain in our culture.
Rituals do not have to be grand gestures to hold value. A cup of coffee in the morning can be a meaningful way to mark the start of your day.
What makes it a ritual is the intentionality to name it as important.
Life is filled with so many demands and responsibilities, not to mention heartaches and pain, we need regular rituals of joy in our lives.
Find joy through people, play, and pleasure.
People
We are relational beings and having meaningful interactions with others brings us joy. Whether watching a ball game, having deep intellectual conversations, or working on a project together, doing it with people who truly “get” us feeds our souls and brings us much happiness.
Who are your people? Who brings you joy? What is your ritual of connecting with these people?
Play
When was the last time you played – had fun with no anxiety about being productive? Most of us have forgotten how to play (I know I have!), but play is a celebration of being fully alive. And for the sake of our own soul’s vitality we need to remember – play is a ritual of joy.
How can you reclaim play in your life? What can you do and not keep score? What adventure would you take, or hobby would you pick up again?
Ready. Set. Play.
Pleasure
Like play, many of us are suspect of pleasure. It seems indulgent and wasteful when our focus should be on so many other practical things. But we were created for pleasure – to enjoy the taste of good food, the sun on our faces, and the sight of beauty.
How can you make pleasure a ritual of joy in your life? What “guilty pleasure” can you turn into a pure pleasure and enjoy to the full?
Develop rituals of joy. Your tired and weary soul will thank you.
