Rituals…and why we need them

What’s your “new” morning ritual these days?  If you’re like me, you’ve been trying to find a “groove” and a new rhythm for your day that doesn’t feel routine but meaningful and joyful. So what’s the difference between a routine and a ritual?

“…it’s how you think about it. It’s how you perceive your actions. Are they mundane chores that just need to be completed, or are they actions that bring meaning, learning or joy into your life? It’s all about your mindset…A daily ritual is similar to a daily routine since they are also a series of tasks that are completed in the same order. But a daily ritual differs in its intention. Daily rituals are meaningful practices and are internally motivated. A daily ritual can provide energy and enjoyment along with efficiency and structure. A ritual is a carefully selected way of doing something that has a sense of purpose and a positive side effect in addition to the straightforward completion of the task.”    https://www.lifehack.org/847758/daily

So, with this in mind and with the guidance of Ann Pelo who reminds me to “know the place where I live…(and) feel my way into a pedagogy of looking and listening”, my morning ritual has evolved into a “carefully selected” walk with my dog Sally where we pay attention to the unfolding of our neighbourhood, marvel at the beauty of spring that is unfolding and stop to listen to the songbirds. And, of course, we collect nature’s “loose parts” along the way. After a cup of my favourite tea, in a special mug, in my comfy chair, in my special place, surrounded by my many plants, listening to my Spotify playlist, I’m ready to embrace my day and my computer.

My hope is that you will soon find your own “remote learning” rituals, for both you and your students, and that these practices will inspire and motivate you to bring meaning, learning and joy into your new rhythm of teaching. My intention is also to create a ritual with this blog that is both as meaningful for me as I hope it will be for you. In my weekly posts I will share some ideas that I hope will support you to continue the playful, engaging learning you value as Early Years educators.

Take care of yourselves and the rest will follow…

angela