Mention the word “ritual” and people’s reactions are quite varied. Some conjure up images of evil doings, magic practices and casting spells. Others roll their eyes at religious rites performed without change and declare they’re void of meaning. Many, though cling to the significance of ordered ceremonies, celebrations or individual acts that remain static.

What characteristics define acts as rituals while others are defined as routines?

Rituals and routines are similar in that both are repetitive functions that provide a sense of order, structure and intention to produce an outcome. But there are significant differences.

Routine

A routine is a standard procedure and is habitual in nature because it’s performed on a regular basis and without much thought given to the action. You can perform a daily routine and not be fully aware of the fact it’s being performed. Some examples are: brushing your teeth, pouring that first cup of morning coffee and setting the home alarm.

These types of actions are important, but they can be performed regardless of your immediate awareness of the fact you’re doing them. Routines can become mundane tasks even though they yield something productive.

Ritual

In contrast, the very act of a ritual is rich in meaning. A ritual requires preparation and focus on the event or activity, and to be fully aware. Symbolism is laced throughout, providing a deep sense of value. A ritual is always thought-provoking and often solemn, sacred and rhythmic in nature. It often provides a connection to others, such as a group of like-minded believers, or to God, or to both. That cohesiveness offers a sense of belonging, stability and safety. A ritual centers the human soul and helps a person to stay focused on the belief that led to the act in the first place.

For example, I begin every day with a sacred ritual. I arise before dawn, pour myself a cup of coffee, pick up two blankets and rosary beads, then go sit outside on the upper back porch. After drinking my coffee while observing the stars, before the sun rises, I talk to God through an ordered set of prayers that I created. I praise God, give thanks for specific blessings, pray for others, then pray for myself. I pray these things through focused mental recitation of the Chaplet of Divine Mercy. What I do is a ritual because I plan and prepare for my solemn, sacred and rhythmic activity. I anticipate my pre-dawn solitude. At night I set the coffee pot to brew before I arise. In this case, even the coffee making and drinking are ritualistic and not routine because they’re planned out and are an integral part of my intention and process. My prayers bind me to God and to humanity. The rosary beads contribute to my focus and the order of my prayers. The beads have been blessed by a priest, so that with their use, there is a cohesive blessedness between God, others and me.

However, if I got up and said some token prayers, all the while not focusing on them as I showered for work, then this morning activity would be a routine and not a ritual.

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Routine is essential, though, because daily life requires it. Activities such as sleep, arise, walk the dog, exercise, change diapers and feed the family are all necessary. But when the fast pace of life dictates a plethora of mindless routines, actions can become monotonous and void of meaning.

Ritual, however, energizes the soul.

Benefits of Ritual

Ritual contributes to the balance, stability and cohesiveness of one’s mind, body and spirit in the following ways:

Mind:

1. Focus clears the mind of needless clutter
2. Calms mental stress
3. Produces peace of mind
4. Promotes discipline
5. Provides senses of security

Body:

1. Relaxes
2. Positively affects the senses, which calms the body

Spirit:

1. Strengthens devotion
2. Perpetuates the deep meaning behind the activity
3. Develops connection to one’s self, to others, to God
4. Induces peace

Routine to Ritual

Creating rituals takes discipline and thought, and the hectic grind of daily routines can be an excuse for not developing them. But rituals don’t have to be a new addition to life because those daily routines can be turned into rituals. Routines must be accomplished, so why not cultivate them into rituals?

For example:

1. Make dog walks a time for prayer
2. Pray blessings into each article of clothing you fold
3. Smile at those you pass on the trail during your morning run
4. Say “I love you” at least once a day to your spouse
5. Light a candle every night on the dinner table
6. Say a heartfelt grace before each meal
7. Be thankful for a new day of life with the first sip of morning coffee

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Rituals can significantly enhance every facet of a person’s life. One’s days will always be filled with routines, but the creation of rituals or the infusion of life into existing ones can bring order and stability to the mind, body and spirit.