Respecting Rituals
"Everyday do something that will inch you closer to a better tomorrow." - Doug Firebaugh
This morning as we inch closer to the full blown holiday season I am reminded about how much traditions play a role in our life. Yesterday, I spent a number of hours doing the decorating, sending Christmas Cards and preparing for the days and weeks ahead. This year I did so guardedly as I have come to realize how much of my mother is in all of the traditions around me. It made me miss her even more.
I thought I would share with you this picture this morning that really shares how much my mother loved this holiday. Here I am with my sisters and my brother each of us looking I know towards my mother. I am second on the left sitting next to my baby sister in the velvet bonnet. Perhaps we were looking towards my mother for reassurance that all was going to be ok. Even Santa was looking her way. The traditions of the season make way for the rituals.
Last week I had the opportunity to interview an Entrepreneur for a publication I write for each month. His name is Brian Johnson and he came up with a great concept called Philosophers Notes (philosophersnotes.com). He said something that really has churned through my head ever since then.
We were talking about how important systems are in business. I asked him how he had implemented systems in the several successful multi-million dollar businesses he has started and sold over the years. His response was that he had come to think of systems as rituals. When he thinks of doing a system or a process in his business, it is handled like a ritual so that it is done the same way time after time. A key element in creating effective systems among multiple people. By handling systems this way he felt that tasks were done with great care and respect in order to honor the ritual.
Perhaps by putting a little of ourselves into each tradition or ritual it then really becomes our own. These words of Buddha came ringing out to me this morning as I write to you.
Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it.
Perhaps this is the basis of belief - that simple aspect that moves us forward. Wishing you happy today's and joyous tomorrow's as we get closer to the center of this season.
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