Grief and ritual together reminds me again that many times sorrow comes suddenly and ritual paces my response. Good news is more often gradual (in my experience, at least) and ritual unlocks that goodness so I can realize it more fully. Said another way…grief needs time and goodness needs discovery. Ritual delivers as it is needed.

This practice is a stretch for me. My recalled rituals don’t map advancement. They are not traditional highlights so it is a strange personal map and not for display. Not much mappiness in my rituals, I think…

Family, commute, and work responsibilities do crowd out ritual. Any time alone can reclaim the expansive effect of ritual. Breath awareness and recognition of “things routine” are elements. Gratefulness is the special sauce.

In my faith community, I’ve noticed that although I am not an addict, I seem to enjoy my conversations with our AA members a bit more than the typical conversation. I don’t know why.