Thinking about Ritual

Tuesday we arrive at Winter Solstice. Let's celebrate!

We had a discussion in sangha recently about the meaning of ritual. What is the difference between practice, and ritual? Perhaps practice IS ritual: mindful, disciplined repetition. But there are certainly degrees of ritual, degrees of engagement with the symbolic, where we make meaning more deliberately and explicitly.

Ritual is something I improvise into, and it is one of my favourite creative tasks. I pay close attention to the moment I need to mark, and offer my heart, mind, and spirit to it. Ritual, for me, is made by the quality of attention we muster, as we bring symbols together with action.

I like to practice marking the seasonal changes, as those hold the seeds of ritual that then mark important life moments. There is a sense of honour in this, noting the dignified passage of time, and the practice of intuitive ritual grounds me deeply into awareness of this present, precious moment.

The basket image above is a good example of symbolic objects gathered for a different winter celebration. It holds light, scent and colour, it holds ripe fruit, herbs and spice, it holds hand-made things and natural things representing different elemental sources, and all hold personal relevance for the celebrants who circle the flame, and make their promises. 

I would like to invite you to not one, not two, but THREE opportunities to join me in celebration and contemplation as we hinge from autumn to winter, and from one year to the next.

1.
Winter Solstice Sangha
7:30–8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 21, 2021

For this special session tomorrow night, bring your light! Gather a candle in a safe vessel, or a lantern made of a small candle in a jar — something sweet smelling, or a small object that signifies renewal — a pen and a piece of paper or two. We will make a special, simple ritual together.

2.
Each day as light emerges from dark, we remember we are home.
Seasonal Retreat – December 27–31, 2021
8:30–9 :30 a.m.
I am offering a mini-self-retreat to Turn the Year — to end and begin with a chosen pattern of self-care. This daily, morning practice is to tap-into, and top-up, our inner resources. I am excited to share a trio of approaches in each session, which will integrate meditative, somatic, and creative practice. 

This retreat is designed to be accessible to beginners and experienced practitioners alike, and is offered on a sliding scale. No experience with meditation or yoga or art is needed — just bring your curious self! 
Please feel free to write with questions if you are unsure.

3. NEW! 
EASE INTO 2022
with a New Year's Day Class at Breathe
January 1, 9:30–10:45 a.m.
A session of movement, restorative yoga and meditation to start the year off just right. I can't wait — and I hope to see you there! Or here! Or wherever we all are when we gather in the aether! 

Happy holy days! Be well!