When Rituals Become Empty
Whether it’s family dinner or church on Sundays, traditions can be an important foundation for our spiritual, emotional, and social well-being. Just like an athlete must keep fit by exercising, or a pianist must practice their scales, the routine of doing a little bit of the same thing every day is what turns an amateur into a virtuoso.
We know how important it is to exercise our spiritual muscles, which is why rituals and traditions are a part of almost every religious practice. But sometimes we can find ourselves just going through the motions. Do we give up on something when it feels like it isn’t working? Is our offering still valid if it’s done out of obligation instead of inspiration?
Here are some things to consider:
It takes time: Just like you won’t be playing Chopin after your first piano lesson, it takes time to build our spiritual skills. We may not see the benefits of something right away, or even after a year of practicing, but small steps can take you far if you keep walking long enough.
Mix it up: Maybe kneeling in front of a candle to pray feels constricting and uninspiring, but an early morning walk, refreshing. Turn an already pleasurable activity into a spiritual ritual by focusing on a mantra, meditation, or prayer. Work-out, go for a walk, or even sing a song! A little creativity can go a long way, and might even help you…
Gain a new perspective: Maybe it’s not the ritual that’s the problem, but simply our attitude towards it. Religious rituals are a way to put our faith into action, a symbolic way of manifesting spiritual ideals into a physical form. They also provide us with a space to connect to those ideals on a consistent basis. Try to connect to the original intention or spirit behind the ritual. Often, rituals have a rich history that contributes to their spiritual significance. Brush up on the basics and see if you might be able to approach the same ritual with a new understanding or insight.
Our life of faith is something that is continually growing and developing. Sometimes we need to bend and shift in order to continue moving forward in the ebb and flow of life’s changes and challenges. No matter where your journey takes you, and what traditions you follow, the one you should never give up is: to always keep searching, questioning, and seeking an authentic relationship with God.
What sort of traditions do you find give you peace? Do you have traditions unique to your family? Let us know in the comments below!