The Rituals
Rituals (noun) a series of actions or type of behavior (s) regularly and invariably followed by someone. (Oxford Dictionaries)
What’s up yall? For the purpose of this piece we will take a look at rituals, not from the religion side of things, but more around the human-side (you know what I’m saying). For example, why do people “be acting” like they be acting and why they “be doing” the things they be doing? Human beings are so dynamically fascinating, we can be outright mysterious at times- with the methods we use to reason, process information, and behave. The systematic processes we now rely on impact how we think, function, and go-on about our daily lives. Let’s explore a bit and learn together the ways we can evolve the ritualistic practices into our self-care packages.
THE POWER OF RITUALS
Recently I read a book titled “ The Power of Ritual '' by Casper Ter Kuile. I recommend this read for those of us, who do things meticulously, are pattern friendly, or just want to learn more about elevating your repetitive plans to have more meaning. The author is a psychologist by trade but shared some of his most intimate thoughts and research on the exercise of sacraments in several platforms in this book. Kuile’s study provided me with some insight on the differences between rituals and habits. In the book the writer broke-it- down. He cited that rituals are vigorous because they can be tied to an expressive, an emotion, as an added of your best-selves. For instance he says “So, though you may take the dog out for a walk numerous times a day, ticking off the repetition component, it isn’t a ritual practice if you’re also on the phone because you’re not really paying attention to your pup and the walk you’re on. It’s simply a habit”.(Kuile, C. T. (2020)
I also enjoyed some of the writer's analogies and discoveries during his research that tabbed CrossFit to be more like church than a workout location. Casper nicely blended some religious ritualism into his book; from ancestral connections, to invitation services, and time to be sabbath. He highlights that thinking sabbath pushes the end-user to be more formal to the learning, which makes the experience holistic. My biggest takeaway from The Power Of Ritual stemmed from a model the author implanted from Kathleen McTigue, a minister whose “Intention Attention, and Repetition (IAR) model really brought home for me what it looks like to be purposeful within your ritual domains.
a) Intention: The walking the dog example shared above.
b) Attention: Make everything you do have more objectivity during the act or moment. However, try to Be mindful of the essence and process that goes along with being more attentive.
c) Repetition: Make your journey something you do all the time and not something you go about habitually. Stuff like:
-do it faithfully,
-pay attention to the moment (S) your body, mind, and emotional responses.
-Most importantly do it with consistency; as you improve with time this opens your heart
chakras and good vibes to your soul.
Lastly, Kuile’s book also talked about the IAP model to be way more effective when you practice with other team members such as family, friends, or like-minded people. He says when you group folks together the rituals have more connections internally, and spiritually.
MY RITUALS
I plan to share often on my outlets about my affinity to food because for me, food has purpose, function, and yes, a humanistic value. I have so many go-to foods, it's unreal. I’d say I’m pretty good in the kitchen and enjoy cooking because it sprouts my creativity, imagination, and propels my self-care practices. However, I will add exercising, music, and relaxing as other ritualistic things I do sacredly.
EGGS RICE & Ketchup
My Latino crowd can connect with me on this. Remember when your mom was cooking something that (was not nasty, maybe it was) and you did not like it, mom had an alternative. “Si No Te gusta eso, come Arroz con huevos, (If you don’t like it, eat eggs with rice).”
You see, eggs with rice & ketchup was, and still is a very special meal to me. Not only did it get me out of starving myself to death. It also infused the IAR modalities because:
1) My mom went the extra mile.
2) It saves time, rather than cooking another meal altogether.
3) Was so damn good, still is.
You see, this plate not only serves multiple purposes, it has an even deeper meaning for me because of the nostalgic memories of my mom (still with me). It also was one of the first meals I learned to prepare as a teenager (sense of accomplishment) and now as an adult; it connects me emotionally with my mom, my growing years, and now adulthood. I leave you with this.
“Till Next time, Same Bat Time Same Bat Channel”
References:
Kuile, C. T. (2020). The Power of Ritual. HarperCollins.
https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/us/definition/english/ritual
More Than Just Rice, Eggs & Ketchup Recipe
1 cup of rice (I like some type of Jasmine rice for this)
2 eggs
Ketchup
Dash of oil
Some salt ( I use grounded pink himalayan)
Tablespoon of butter (That’s another preference for me but it really makes the rice creamy,oh)
How to
Wash/rinse your rice till water is translucent.
Add washed rice to the rice cooker/or pot. Place 2 cups of water to your 1 cup of rice (2:1 ratio).
Add salt (or not for some)- splash some oil (canola, veg whatever you use).
If using a rice cooker it does the cooking for you so you can step away. When cooking on the stovetop you should be close to your rice when it begins to boil (lil bubbles) turn your flame down and cover. (15-20 mins depends your rice usually 16-18 mins you should check on it)
I add smart balance butter teaspoon when its time to turn your rice over cover with foil or wet napkin (helps with vaporization)
For eggs- you can go any style for this video we pan fried ( not too much oil) place two eggs on a frying pan cook to your preference ladle with spoon or spatula.
Ready to plate
Best part: plate your cooked rice, fried eggs, and please please don't forget the Ketchup!
Ritualization activated - Enjoy!
