Firstly, before explaining the difference between a habit and a ritual, we need to completely comprehend what is a ritual.

What is a ritual anyway?

Some rituals are so simple we can explain them in a sentence, while others are more involved, with specific steps and instructions. What all of them share, though, is a sense of learning to live your life with purpose and intention.

A ritual can be whatever you want it to be, but we believe that all rituals involve three stages:

PAUSE to acknowledge where you are, how you feel, and what is going on in this moment
PAY ATTENTION to your emotions, to your breathing, to any sensations in your body
SET YOUR INTENTION – Are you looking for peace? Energy? Acceptance? Change? Be clear in your intention.

So, it really can be as simple as that – no candles, no incense, no sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion. But the effect of even such a simple ritual can be profound.

Moreover, a ritual should not be rushed, but it doesn’t have to take up a lot of time either. A ritual should give you a deeper sense of wellbeing, and of connection to the world around you. Think of it as helping to bring a little magic into the mundane.

So, the basis of a ritual is incredibly simple, and everything else is an add-on. Just keep coming back to the reminder to pause, pay attention and set your intention, and you’re already practicing and refining your own ritual.

Also, try to remember that a ritual is here to serve you and support you, not the other way around. If you feel yourself getting too attached to any ritual, remind yourself that a ritual is about honouring your experience, not dictating it.

Habit VS Ritual

Having said all that, it is important to make a distinction between a habit, which is an action that we perform automatically, without thinking of it, and a ritual, which we perform with attention and intention.

Good habits can enhance our lives, and we totally believe in maintaining the habits that keep us strong, healthy and happy. But don’t get us wrong, you don’t have to replace every daily habit with a carefully considered ritual. What you can do, though, is turn a habit into a super simple ritual, just by changing the intention behind it.

So, instead of drinking your tea, while you’re getting dressed in the morning, try making a small ceremony out of it. Use loose-leaf tea, warm the teapot, brew the leaves for the perfect length of time and enjoy your cup in a moment of peace before the day begins.

Here are some more examples:

Eating on the run
Scrolling through social media
Grabbing a takeaway coffee
Switching on the TV every night

Giving thanks before you eat
Reading an inspirational book
Sitting down to a homemade breakfast
Writing in a gratitude journal

It’s the attention to detail, and the awareness of the moment that separates the habit from the ritual.

If you feel you don’t have time to practice a ritual, start with very simple ones, linked to the actions you already do each day. Can you use the time while you’re brushing your teeth to set your intention for the day ahead? Can you add a drop of essential oil to your moisturiser – maybe lavender for calm – to reflect how you’re feeling, or how you want to feel?

The beneficial effect of these small rituals is cumulative. The more often you practice them, the more they help you reach a place where you feel safe and supported, regardless of what else might be happening in your life.

Furthermore, just as creating good habits requires discipline, feeling the benefit from the practice of rituals will take time. The first time you practice a ritual it may feel weird and uncomfortable, the second time you’re maybe getting used to it, the third time it feels better.

Search for ritual ideas and see what inspires you, and feel free to shape them into something that really resonates with you.

Finally, remember that a ritual can turn into a habit if you’re not paying attention to it. Try not to let your rituals become stale – keep them fresh and meaningful so that you’re fully engaged and not just going through the motions.