Of Rituals and Routines | Amelia Ah You
“The difference between routine and ritual is subtle, yet profound. It’s not what we do but more how we do it. A routine is a set of daily habits we generally perform on autopilot. A ritual, on the other hand, is a routine that has been infused with a sprinkle of ceremony or sacredness and some aspect of mindfulness. While routines can feel like autopilot, rituals are performed with intention, turning ordinary tasks into moments of reflection, pleasure, or connection.” Happier with Dave Flynn, excerpt from The Happy Pear.
Photo | Eileen Hennemann
Some folks are journal junkies, scribbling down every thought and dream. Others? Not so much. Maybe they’d rather scribble or, I don’t know, skip rope? But let’s be real—who actually skips rope in their heads?
Daylight savings hit today. I had these grand illusions of lounging in bed for an extra hour, but nope, wide awake at the new 1:45 AM. Great. Finally gave up and started my morning routine at 4 AM, pondering the magic of Rituals and Routines.
With a steaming cup of coffee, I settled by my living room window, watching the day slowly break. Jupiter, Venus, Saturn—who knows? One of them was shining bright. I often try to name these celestial wonders, but usually, I just enjoy the stars fading into the morning sky. Today, the ground’s wearing a frosty coat.
Memories of my reading and calligraphy mentor, Mr. Chan, drift in as I nestle into my chair. Mr. Chan, with his serene demeanor and joyful eyes, had a ritualistic elegance. While we, the young ones, played in the school courtyard, he’d enjoy his simple supper by the steps—a bowl of rice and a modest side. Post-meal, he’d meticulously clean the table, unroll the rice paper, and with a graceful, almost dance-like motion, his brush would bring ink to life. This poetic display happened every day at 4:30 PM, without fail. I brim with nostalgia whenever I recall Mr. Chan and his magical ritual.
Routines and Rituals—they’re like comfort food for the soul. Whether it’s an inward Zen or an outward expression, being in the present moment is where the magic happens.
Amelia | 11.2024