I recently went on a cruise, my first one in several decades. The idea of being on the ocean, drifting at sea, meeting new people, reading, writing and just “being” excited to me. 

As all the ships, mine and other ones, prepared to sail, people came out on the deck and balconies. They waved and screamed. Some of them took photos of us. Some of us took photos of them. The setting sail ritual has happened for many moons, a bon voyage to everyone you can see. Even though most of us would never see the people we waved to ever again, for one moment, we all had an exciting, shared experience together. 

There were other rituals throughout the experience, such as the mandatory safety briefing and welcome by our Captain. Experienced cruisers even knew to bring fun magnets to decorate their doors with.

What really struck me was the meaning and value of rituals. A few that came to mind include:

• Connecting on deeper levels
• Shared experiences
• A sense of belonging
• Giving gravitas to something
• Predictability (our brains love this)

I know there are probably a lot more. These are front and center right now. I’m voting that we all have rituals in our lives that bring purpose and meaning. I think of rituals around weddings, funerals, first day of school, and graduations. There are so many more. 

Sometimes we have rituals that aren’t bringing the purpose or meaning we desire. What’s at stake when we are doing rituals that don’t support us or move us away from things that don’t serve?

Today I am inviting you to do a quick inventory of the rituals in your life. What are the ways they are serving you, your family, your community and maybe even the world? What are the ways they are getting in the way? I’m inviting us to rituals that serve. Rituals with intention. Are they being done because we’ve “always done them” or are they still bringing purpose and meaning to your life?

I’d love to hear about your rituals or a ritual you’ve experienced that has had an impact on your life’s journey!

Keep SHINING in Your Brilliance!