Everyday Rituals

Rituals. That word sounds a bit scary. It reminds me of horror films where the undead crazy shaman starts converting the good guys into zombies or periwinkles or something too scary to name.

But really, we all have our own rituals we do every day. Pick any usual thing you do during the day and I bet you'll find that you try to do it the same way every time. And heaven help you if you get interrupted in the middle - everything just starts to go bad.

There was a time I was in the shower and just started the whole cleaning process. Someone came in or yelled through the door and asked me something that took a bit to get straightened out. By the time I got back to the actual reason I was in the shower, I had lost track of where I was in the process. Great memory, just a little short.

Anyway, I finished up and stepped out to dry off. When I threw my towel on my head and started rubbing my hair dry, there was something different about it. I discovered that having shampoo and/or conditioner still in my hair affects the towel and the drying process. Slides right off your head, generally right into the still wet shower, leaving you standing there with soap on your head, water everywhere else and no way to dry yourself. I have to remember to lock the bathroom door next time.

How about when you get ready to go to work? You get to the door, ready to head to the car. You grab your lunch, keys, wallet and cell phone and maybe a briefcase. You do this every day you go into work - lunch, keys, wallet and cell phone. Then, one time, your spouse asks you to take something out to the garage on your way out.

You juggle your load, pick up the requested item and head out to the car. Halfway to work you realize you left your lunch on top of the car so you could put the garbage in the bin. Just be happy it wasn't your expensive laptop. And all those people waving at you in the neighbourhood? They aren't actually that friendly all the time…but you can bet they'll be watching for you again!

How about the ritual of getting your kids up? You know, head to their room, knock twice, stick your head in the door and tell them it's time to get up. Then go back to the kitchen, finish your lunch, clean the dishes, go back to their room, knock twice, stick your head in the door and tell them it's time to get up. Repeat, over and over and over and over…

I'm not saying that rituals are bad for you, not in the least. They help us finish what we start, keep us on track and task and allow our minds to go for a wander without our bodies once in a while. It is a good idea to take a look at the daily rituals every so often, to make sure they're still effective.

So here are a few ideas. When you brush your teeth, try brushing with your opposite hand, or standing on one foot, or even just starting on a different spot in your mouth. Try it, I dare you. It's far more difficult than you think.

Take a different driving route to work. It may just wake you up and make you concentrate more. I know I used to get thank you letters from other commuters when I went on a different road than they did.

As for getting kids out of bed, well, you're on your own. I've tried everything from hand grenades to donkeys, with no luck. Too bad they take after their dad.