The Power of Ritual: Finding Meaning in Everyday Life
Finding connection in the Big Smoke
Whenever I’m at home in London, it’s easy to be absorbed by the hustle and bustle of the big smoke. While inevitable - and the same in any big city for that matter - my trick for keeping sane has been building the week around a few key moments, all of which are focused on food, friends, or exercise.
One of the most cherished parts of my week is an early Tuesday morning swim with friends, a tradition we’ve affectionately dubbed the "Sunrise Swimmers." This not only provides a little purpose to our week but also reminds me of the significance of rituals in our lives, providing structure, connection, and meaning.
The foundation of Rituals: A Psychological perspective
Rituals have long been a topic of fascination for the great thinkers. Freud proposed that rituals are essential for managing the chaos and anxiety of our inner world. By creating a predictable pattern, rituals can help us all gain a sense of control over our experiences, much like how I feel every Tuesday as I prepare to jump into the pool with my friends.
Durkheim focused on the social impact of rituals, emphasising how they reinforce collective values and social cohesion. He argued that engaging in rituals not only solidifies our connections with others but also reminds us of our shared identity.
This resonates deeply with my own experience with the ‘Sunrise Swimmers’, as we’ve turned our simple swim into a highlight of our week, bringing together anywhere from three to ten friends, united by the shared goal of making it to the bakery for coffee and pastries after our swim.
Setting an example: The Sunrise Swimmers
We started this journey in the summer of 2023, with a handful of friends from London Fields Triathlon Club, looking to create a sense of social commitment to get us out of bed during the dark, winter months.
The rules were simple: we gather at the pool by 6:45 a.m., swim for about 30 minutes, and then head to the bakery by 7:45 a.m (with time for hair-wash day, as my ladies here will appreciate!).
From a social start to a weekly structure
Over the past year and a half, what began as a casual dip has transformed into a vibrant ritual, brimming with early-morning camaraderie. Each swim is punctuated by laughter, shared stories, and the sense of satisfaction in greeting the sunrise together (an optimistic point of view actually seeing the sunrise in London, but roll with me here).
And while our swimming isn’t a formal training session, it adds a joyful highlight to what could otherwise feel like a mundane week, especially on those cold, frosty, winter mornings.
The structure of these swims gives our week a rhythm, creating a space for genuine connection and heartfelt conversations, from discussing weekend sports to swapping business ideas, punctuated by the irresistible aroma of fresh pastries from E5.
How rituals shape our lives
Last week, as I was preparing to return to the UK, my excitement to dive back into our Tuesday swims was palpable. These rituals exemplify how important it is to have moments of connection that structure our lives and contribute to our happiness. They provide continuity, belonging, and a sense of joy amidst life’s uncertainties.
Rituals don’t just define our schedules; they shape our relationships and create a profound sense of purpose. As we delve deeper into the emotional and social aspects of rituals in the next posts, I’d love to invite you to reflect on the routines in your life.
What rituals provide your week with structure, connection, and meaning?