In our current yoga series in Rugby, we are exploring ‘Rituals.’ Do you know what distinguishes a routine from a ritual?
At first glance, routines and rituals might look similar – they both involve repeated actions, often at a set time. But the intention behind them is where the magic lies. A routine is practical. It’s something you do to get things done, like making your morning tea, checking emails, or stretching before work. It helps structure your day and keeps life moving.
A ritual, on the other hand, carries meaning. It transforms the mundane into something purposeful, connecting you to yourself, your values, or even the present moment. A ritual isn’t just about completion; it’s about intention.
In the world of sport, rituals play a fascinating role. Take Rafael Nadal – before every serve, he bounces the ball a precise number of times in a particular way. He adjusts the strings on his racket at a particular point in the class and he has a little sequence of rituals with his water bottle. Serena Williams, too, has her own pre-match routine with her trainers where the first one goes on the left, then the right, then she does something specific with her laces – these go beyond mere preparation, helping her centre her focus and energy. These aren’t just habits; they are rituals that bring intention and calm, even in the heat of competition.
In our own lives, we might borrow from this idea by finding small, meaningful actions that signal the start of something important – be it a yoga practice, a mindful cup of tea, or a moment of gratitude in the morning. A routine can keep us organised, but a ritual can nourish the soul.
This week, try noticing which of your daily actions are purely functional routines and which could become small rituals. What could you do to make the ordinary feel a little more intentional?