Something I've realised, recently is that I really miss ritual. I used to be a catholic, and I really miss the daily ritual of prayer and the weekly ritual of Mass
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As another ex-theist, I know what you mean about ritual, but I kind of feel that to "work" it needs to be something externally defined rather than something I've designed; hence suggestion of a communal thing.
I was going to say something similar. Playing or singing with others definitely fulfils that commonality of purpose function of ritual, as well as being enjoyable, celebratory and often cathartic.
I miss Catholic ritual too but I absolutely CANNOT go to Catholic services now, too much rage induced! (I tried.)
I think rituals involving physical activity and/or creativity are often the most successfully maintained. A lot of the people I know who do yoga like doing the series of exercises to greet the sun first thing, as they say it sets a good tone for the day. Even if you don't do anything like that, you might want to learn a few simple exercises of that nature for this end. My mother & and aunt swear by tai chi for this reason.
Singing & dancing are definitely good ideas (have you considered joining a choir? My atheistish mother loves this.) as they can be communal as well. Are there other things you like creating, or things you've always wanted to learn to create? If the former, maybe try to get back into doing those ways in a regular way you find calming (I know a few people who have regular painting rituals); if the latter, maybe a community college class to learn he new skill would be useful? I find the feeling of efficiency
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I think rituals involving physical activity and/or creativity are often the most successfully maintained. A lot of the people I know who do yoga like doing the series of exercises to greet the sun first thing, as they say it sets a good tone for the day. Even if you don't do anything like that, you might want to learn a few simple exercises of that nature for this end. My mother & and aunt swear by tai chi for this reason.
Singing & dancing are definitely good ideas (have you considered joining a choir? My atheistish mother loves this.) as they can be communal as well. Are there other things you like creating, or things you've always wanted to learn to create? If the former, maybe try to get back into doing those ways in a regular way you find calming (I know a few people who have regular painting rituals); if the latter, maybe a community college class to learn he new skill would be useful? I find the feeling of efficiency ( ... )
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