The Role of Ritual in Any Discipline, From Psychedelics to Mindfulness
Frameworks move us into new states of mind faster
A shaman takes a group of acolytes into the forest. They have fasted for two days. When they reach a hidden clearing, they watch as he speaks to unseen beings, asking permission to bring his group to a new place.
A monk sits on her cushion, silently. In her mind she takes a slow breath, exhales, and in the moment between breaths, takes refuge in the Buddha, then with the next breath, the dharma, followed by the sangha. The Example, the Teaching, the Community.
A chef spends his morning prepping everything he will need for the evening’s rush. Everything in its place, everything clean and ready. He goes outside and quietly smokes a cigarette, then goes to work.
Rituals. They are as old as mankind, probably older. Surgical teams use them to anticipate problems and avoid fatal errors. Books are written about the value of checklists like those used in commercial aircraft before takeoff. Physical trainers give students routines to get them into healthy workout habits. The examples are endless because these processes are essential to setting up any task or voyage. Even your morning coffee is a ritual for starting your day.