The Value of Personal Rituals

Gathering with friends to partake in a bizarre tradition may sound amusing, but as society evolves, many of these rituals tied to superstition have become obsolete. Despite their absurdity, the essence of rituals can still hold value for us today. They allow us to mark time, focus our awareness, and add depth to experiences that might otherwise feel mundane.

To clarify, I’m not suggesting that invoking an ancient ritual will elevate your birthday celebration (though it would certainly complicate the cleanup). Rather, the essence of ritual is about how we can weave its significance into our contemporary lives.

My first conscious introduction of a ritual into my life was through sports. It began with a pre-game viewing of Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, which coincided with one of my best performances on the field. That day, I played remarkably well, seemingly inspired by Johnny Depp’s swashbuckling antics.

However, as I continued this practice, I realized that it didn't necessarily lead to repeated success; instead, I merely memorized the script. Although this skill hasn’t brought me any accolades, it taught me that the ritual was not about the film itself, but about cherishing the moment before the game—a time to reflect on the importance of what lay ahead.

Rituals are not deeply rooted in my upbringing. As a first-generation Australian with atheist parents from different cultural backgrounds, my experience with tradition is limited. The closest thing resembling a ritual in Australia is the quirky act of flipping a bottle of Bundaberg Ginger Beer before consumption.

This cultural backdrop has granted me a blank slate to create my own rituals. One such practice I’ve embraced is the daily coffee ritual. It transcends mere caffeine intake; it’s a moment for introspection and mindfulness as I meticulously grind the beans and brew my drink. This process transforms an ordinary task into a cherished ritual, allowing me to pause and savor a small yet meaningful experience.

In addition to my self-created rituals, I have also incorporated elements from other cultures, particularly from Japan, where I’ve spent a significant part of my adult life. One such tradition is Setsubun. Every February 3rd, I partake in this ritual by eating an uncut sushi roll in silence while facing the year’s auspicious direction—though I still don’t fully grasp its origins.

Has this ritual brought me luck? Probably not. But it has given me something to look forward to each year, turning an otherwise unremarkable day into a delightful occasion that sparks curiosity among my friends. Japan excels at marking time, and I’ve also adopted their New Year’s Eve tradition, swapping out my previous celebrations of excess for a thorough cleaning of my home, clearing out the old to welcome the new.

Perhaps the most significant ritual I’ve established is one I share with my late father, who passed away around thirty years ago. Growing up in a culture that often overlooks ancestral connections, I never thought to create a ritual to honor his memory. Now, each August, I write him a letter recounting the year’s experiences—the places I’ve visited and the personal milestones I’ve achieved in his absence.

The quality of these letters varies, but the act of writing them by hand, igniting the paper, and watching the smoke ascend has become a therapeutic practice for me. This ritual allows me to confront my self-doubt while connecting with a man I never had the chance to know.

Ultimately, the letters’ destination is inconsequential; what matters is their significance to me. They serve as a reminder of someone I’ve lost, a way to release the past, and a moment to reflect on my current blessings.

The first video titled The Power of Rituals at Work delves into how establishing rituals can enhance productivity and create a more meaningful work environment.

The second video, Create Rituals and Take a Tech Break, emphasizes the importance of stepping away from technology to foster personal growth and well-being.