“Ceremony is a vehicle for belonging, to a family, to a people, and to the land.”
-Robin Wall Kimmerer
Whether it's an intimate gathering or a table that spans the length of a space, whenever we come together, we have a choice to make it an intentional offering, a way of welcoming, and belonging ourselves and others to the room.
I love to do the little things before guests arrive. Setting the table. Cutting a branch, blossoms or a handful of herbs from the garden and arranging them loosely, not so perfectly, in a large Demi-john bottle or vase. Pouring a stream of olive oil onto a plate with a loaf of bread by its side, ready to be torn and tasted with the liquid gold. Hospitality rooted in generosity, whether the gesture is big or small.
Sometimes, the ceremonies happen all on their own. You show up, and the magic happens. Music that moves you. A conversation that inspires. Food that feels nourishing to the senses. It can be planned or spontaneous, orchestrated or organically unfolding. When we allow for the experience to unfold, taking time and being present, we can at the very least learn something about ourselves or others.
What if we gave ourselves more occasion to celebrate, to make our everyday lives a ceremony? Think about all the small moments as you go about your day. Ordinary routines that can become daily rituals to enhance your everyday.
I often go to farmer's markets on Saturdays. Sometimes, on Sundays, I like to go to a smaller, quieter market to supplement my weekly shopping, and get flowers for the store. I stop by a few of my favorite bakeries for pastries and granola, then to our local butcher for tonights dinner provisions. These are the moments that start the day in the most beautiful way.
When we stop to appreciate the small things, life can feel special any day, in all the ways. As you go about your day today, think about what could make it a little more magical, more like a ceremony.
However you choose to spend your time today, enjoy your Sunday Slowdown day.
x Alisa
photo credit: Unknown.