Healing and Transformation with Ritual and Ceremony

As humans, we have a deep-seated connection to ritual and ceremony. They help us mentally, physically and socially. How so? They give structure to an experience and this helps support a transformation. We like having a beginning, a middle and an end - it feels good to us.

Personally, I love that 'grounded- feeling' which comes from simple everyday rituals and routines. It helps me know where I am in space and time.

Ritual and ceremony are prominant in ancient cultures and religious settings. This is true across all continents and cultures. We can learn about ourselves from studying these rituals and ceremonies. They are a powerful link between the past, the present and the future.

Linking the past, present and future within ourselves is very helpful in life. In the healing journey, making sense of the past is critical. It gives the ability to then be in the present. When we are in the present, we can be aware of our needs and then we are free to choose our path forward. This is how we build a future that is meaningful.

Here are just a few of the types of situations ritual and ceremony have been used for:

• Burials

• Seasonal celebrations and holidays

• Rites of passage and life transitions such as birth, death, marriage, and coming of age

• Honouring ancestors

• Connection to nature

• Belief and values alignment

• Fostering community

• Collective transformation and healing

  
  

Now, modern science is documenting the importance of these ancient practices. Our modern culture can be lacking in these practices. We become like an unmoored boat at the whims of the wind and tides.

That’s how it felt to me during the most closed days of COVID. We could not mark our most basic life transitions together and this felt so strange. Not only that, there is a modern trend of people requesting to not have a funeral or celebration of life. We need to say goodbye and collectively grieve and honour a life. Ritual and ceremony can help us move through change and loss.

Here are some of the other benefits of ritual and ceremony as studied in science:

Neurological & Physiological Effects and Benefits

The most important benefit is they regulate the nervous system. Rituals engage the parasympathetic nervous system. This is the part of the nervous system that is responsive for calming the body and reducing stress. The order of a ritual builds a sense of safety and stability, which resources our nervous systems.

Ceremony and ritual also activate our physiological and chemical reward systems. Meaningful rituals triggers the release of dopamine and oxytocin. These hormones are regulating and help us to feel more connected to ourselves and to others.

Rituals may involve physical or ordered actions. These actions lead are demonstrative acts of self-care, and they ground us with a sense of purpose.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

Also, ceremonies and rituals help us feel better. When we are emotionally well, we experience more psychological benefits. For instance, we have a greater sense of control and stability. Plus, we are more able to see different perspectives. New perspective brings peace, clarity and choice.

Social Benefits

As mentioned before, science also documents the importance of collective ritual. This fosters connection between people - no matter who they are or where they have come from. We need this connection and sense of oneness in a world that is becoming more and more polarized.

When it comes to healing, ritual can help to build bridges between what you know and what is unknown. The symbolism can be very meaningful and helps us trust in a process of transformation.

What are some rituals or ceremonies you might like to incorporate into your daily life? Is there something you haven’t had closure on and need it? Or is there something you want to begin and give life to? Could you mark this beginning with some kind of ritual or ceremony? How about healing or reducing anxiety and stress? What ritual might you start to support your nervous system?

For healing rituals and processes, you can book an appointment or retreat HERE