| Thorhallsson: Discover the Benefits of Transition Rituals |
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| Thursday, March 26, 2009 07:10 AM |
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Sometimes, all of our attempts to slow down wind up conflicting with our desire to meet the many obligations of our daily lives. For years, I’ve been trying to take the time to “smell the roses” and be more deliberate and mindful during my various activities. Often, I am successful, but it continues to be an issue for me. I am learning and practicing more “transition rituals.” Some of these rituals may be of interest to our readers. Upon arising in the morning, it is especially important to greet the day openly and consciously. Gratitude for the gift of a new day accompanied by a verbal expression of optimistic expectations for the events of that new day set the stage for a bright beginning each morning. Morning stretching or hand massage is a pleasant way to greet a new day. A favorite new-day opening for many Christians is, “This is the day that the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it.” Taking the time to pause between sleeping and waking to acknowledge the power of creative intention makes a huge difference in attitude that can impact interactions with all family members as well as co-workers. Ritual morning transitions into the new day facilitate a calm and peaceful entry into that day. Each morning is a new beginning with unlimited potential for exciting possibilities. Smiling and greeting others with an open-hearted attitude is a transition ritual. This is a transition from self-involved thoughts to a conscious interaction with another. Taking a deep breath or two before speaking to someone or before answering the telephone engages the heart into the conversation. This activity alone allows deeper listening and creates calmness. Taking deep conscious breaths before changing activities reduces frenetic mindlessness and promotes an inner serenity. Each new task can be undertaken with awareness and a sense of joy. Before each meal, it is traditional to express gratitude and to whisper a blessing. At the end of the workday, it is helpful to pause before traveling home. Again, deep breathing and mentally expressing gratitude for a productive and perhaps enjoyable workday helps to transition for the journey home. Upon arriving home, a pause and reflection is recommended before entering the house. Joyfully greeting loved ones with no complaints about the day is a great transition into the evening. Research is showing that the two most important rituals in the Western world that contribute to family harmony are the daily homecoming ritual and sharing an evening meal together. Experiments with students in my nutrition classes have validated the importance of the shared meal ritual to all family members. Families and individuals have many time-honored bedtime rituals. The expression of gratitude for the gift of the closing day, wishes for restful dreams, various spiritual practices and prayers for a peaceful, useful, healthy and prosperous life end the day meaningfully. What a blessing it is to find ways to slow down, complain less, and appreciate more. It takes patience and practice to create transition rituals but the rewards are amazing. There is no time like the present. In fact all we have is the present moment. Takes three slow deep breaths with closed eyes before you begin your next activity and see how you feel. Maryann Thorhallsson, PhD, ARNP, is a Professional Life Coach, and a Nursing Professor at BCU. Dr. Thorhallsson holds certifications in nutrition, yoga and QiGong and has written wellness columns since 1990. |
