Now Is the Time

As I was sitting contemplating how grateful I am, the first words of this poem by Rabindranath Tagore came to me.Tagore wrote it in 1900 before India's Independence. He originally wrote it in his native tongue. It was published in English in 1912.

"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high 

Where knowledge is free

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments 

By narrow domestic walls

Where words come out from the depth of truth

Where tireless striving stretches its arms from the depth of truth

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way

Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit

Where the mind is led forward by thee

Into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake."

I envision living free from fear, fully confident about my right to be here, knowing that I am making  a difference because I live in the wholeness and unity of the One Life.

When I remember who I am, my mind is free of fear.

When I remember to practice what I know, I am vitally alive.

And when I forget that we are all one, that Divine Life is within each one of us, I am tempted to live as if the effects in my life were causes. When I do that, I react. I do not consciously choose what I want.

As a minister of the Science of Mind, I want to minister to all beings -- not just one group or another.

Yet as a human being, I have opinions and concerns. Some of those opinions may upset some of my congregation. I have been blessed to live here in the United States since 1993. I prayed wholeheartedly for Peace for months after the attacks on the Twin Towers and the Pentagon on 9-11 and for the first several years when we started fighting. I have kept my opinions to myself for the most part. (I did support marriage equality and some people didn't like it. They left our Center.)

Now I am concerned about our climate change. How shocked I was to find out that here in the United States, Climate Change is a political issue! In my heart it is a scientific fact and a global concern.

Although I applied for citizenship last May, I am not yet a citizen. As a non-citizen, I felt I should not speak out about my concerns, but when I saw that Climate Change disappeared from the Government Website, I was deeply troubled. 

For those of you who are students of metaphysics, you know that doing anything from a place of concern or anxiety, is going to produce exactly what you are anxious about. It will have the opposite effect from what you want. So what is the spiritual solution?

First, the master teacher Jesus said, "Let not your hearts be troubled." So first become aware of the peace that passes understanding that is the nature of Divine Mind and It is everywhere. In that peaceful place of unity, envision what you do want. I see people caring for their environment and using resources wisely. I remember the idea of thinking globally and acting locally. 

So first I meditate and pray. First, I remember that the nature of life is unity and that I live in a perfect universe. I remember that Divine Intelligence is everywhere present, even when I can't see it.

Then I take the action that I can take. I begin locally with myself and my home environment. I unplug appliances. I turn off lights. I lower the temperature. I reduce the number of things I buy that are packaged. And I pray!

In the 70's and 80's, John Denver wrote music that spoke to my heart. He performed this one in Russia on his world tour. I think it is just as relevant today as it was when the album was released in 1983.

It's about time...and the time is now!

Seeing God Everywhere

Last night in Foundations class we were talking about the spiritual practices of Oneness and Forgiveness. Very easy concepts to understand and often difficult to apply to our lives. Starting a discussion seemed impossible. Then one man courageously said that the topics were difficult to talk about. His courageous disclosure gave the others permission to speak about their difficulties seeing oneness everywhere and in forgiving (especially themselves.) That kind of sharing is sacred and profound. Voices hushed and people spoke honestly about their experiences.

Each student was asked to bring a news story, one positive and one negative. then we read them and chose one about a couple who abandoned their three children in the woods and were later arrested for possession of crystal meth. The children , who like Hansel and Gretel, found their way out of the woods safely, were placed in protective custody. were found a couple of hours later. We then looked at how God showed up as all the characters in the story. The last part of the exercise was to brainstorm ways that this story could be something that was the best thing for our world. Ideas such as the children, now living in loving, safe homes, could become advocates for drug abstinence. the couple could get sober in the penitentiary and change their ways forever advocating better choices. Then we looked at our own biases and how they influenced our interpretation of the story. It was a great exercise which helped people see when they are judgmental about something it narrows their perception. 

One of the women, who has worked with the Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn, was moved by the loving, respectful energy in the room. She said our process reminded her of being in a similar circle with him.
When we truly see God everywhere and in everyone, our lives are lived in peace.

The following is his poem, entitled, "Call Me By My True Names."

Call Me by My True Names

Do not say that I'll depart tomorrow because even today I still arrive.

Look deeply: I arrive in every second to be a bud on a spring branch, 

to be a tiny bird, with wings still fragile, learning to sing in my new nest, 

to be a caterpillar in the heart of a flower, to be a jewel hiding itself in a stone.

I still arrive, in order to laugh and to cry, in order to fear and to hope. 

The rhythm of my heart is the birth and death of all that are alive.

I am the mayfly metamorphosing on the surface of the river,

and I am the bird which, when spring comes, arrives in time 

to eat the mayfly.

I am the frog swimming happily in the clear pond, 

and I am also the grass-snake who, approaching in silence, 

feeds itself on the frog.

I am the child in Uganda, all skin and bones, my legs as thin as bamboo sticks, 

and I am the arms merchant, selling deadly weapons to Uganda.

I am the twelve-year-old girl, refugee on a small boat,

who throws herself into the ocean after being raped by a sea pirate,

and I am the pirate, my heart not yet capable of seeing and loving.

I am a member of the politburo, with plenty of power in my hands,

and I am the man who has to pay his "debt of blood" to, mypeople,

dying slowly in a forced labor camp.

My joy is like spring, so warm it makes flowers bloom in allwalks of life.

My pain if like a river of tears, so full it fills the four oceans.

Please call me by my true names, 

so I can hear all my cries and laughs at once, 

so I can see that my joy and pain are one.

Please call me by my true names, 

so I can wake up, 

and so the door of my heart can be left open, 

the door of compassion.

I Just Don't Get Affirmations!

"I Just Don't Get Affirmations!"

I heard those words come out of my friend's mouth and I shuddered.

For years, affirmations have been a part of my daily life...

...I probably use them hundreds of times a day.

I believe in them so much that I even painted a "Today's Affirmation" chalkboard wall in my house.

I post these daily affirmations on Instagram and Facebook as it is my hope that the day's affirmation will serve someone else as it has me.

Affirmations are a powerful daily practice that are much more powerful than many think.

My friend went on to explain that she doesn't get  affirmations because she can't believe them enough to transform her thinking.

So, I explained that, even though affirmations may not be truly believeable at first, they are STILL more powerful than the limiting thought you are trying to change.

You see, our lives are based on energetic vibrations.

Although this may seem like a strange idea, you probably have noticed it through life experience.

For example, you walk into a room after a couple has been fighting and you "feel" the tension in the air...that's a lower vibration of energy.

On the other hand, you walk into a room where people are celebrating and the energy feels electric...that's higher vibrational energy.

Thoughts also carry a vibration.

When you have a thought that is on a lower vibration, being that you attract back to you the energy you put out, you will attract other lower vibrational experiences in your life.

So, it's important to up level the energy of a lower vibrational thought immediately, by replacing it with a higher vibrational thought...like an affirmation!

Even if you don't believe it, a higher vibration is much more powerful than a lower vibrational thought and it will help you attract a higher vibrational life experience. 

Also, every time you repeat a specific affirmation, you are also reprogramming your subconscious with a higher vibrational thought so it will become almost natural, over time, to believe your own affirmation.

The more you grow into your belief in an affirmation, the faster it manifests into your physical life, so don't delay on getting started!

Reprogramming our thoughts take spiritual practice.  

It takes a daily commitment to yourself and to your life to reaffirm you highest and best good.  

If you want a place to start, start with this powerful affirmation:

Today, I attract my highest and best good!

Meditation: Am I doing this right?

Could 20 minutes a day change your life? This Sunday Rev. Ann Ronan shared that a Buddhist nun who was also a Physicist shared with her that 20 minutes of meditation a day could transform a life. Rev. Ann never forgot that.

November begins our theme of Meditation.

I am a fairly recent convert to the practice of meditation and I must admit that I am always wondering if I am "doing it right." I also sometimes wonder if I "should" be doing it ... after all there's work to be done, kids to keep track of, laundry to do and the never ending list of things that need cleaning.

I've heard that Ghandi would meditate extra on busy days ... then I muse that Ghandi didn't have a two year old ... and I'm no Ghandi afterall.

So when Meditation Techniques Demonstrated by Deepak Chopra was shared at our service yesterday I was all ears. I came home and replayed the video to absorb even more.

What is Meditation?
Is it to handle stress? Is is to tune out? Is it to get away from it all? Deepak has a way of clarifying these seemingly esoteric ideas for us.

Deepak shares that meditation is to tune in, to get in touch with yourself, not to just destress but to find peace within yourself. To get into the space between your thoughts.

To get into the space between my thoughts?

"according to wisdom traditions this space between thoughts is the window, is the corridor, is the vortex to the Infinite Mind, The Mystery, that some people call it The Spirit of God ... it's your core consciousness." 

What does Deepak think I am going to find 

in the space between by thoughts?

1. a field of Infinte Possiblities
2. that Everything is connected to everything else
3. Infinite Creativity & Infinite Imagination
4. Observer Effect or the Power of Intension

He basically says that meditation is where we connect with God, where we connect with our own spirit, our own potential.

Directions for a Healing Meditation or How to Cure a Migraine

Sit comfortably on a chair or couch, sit up, no slouching, support your posture with a pillow if necessary, don't cross your legs and leave your hands in a receptive position. 

Deepak goes on to ask that you say out loud "I AM ... I AM ... I AM" This is a mantra. It is a tool, a tool to connect with yourself and to displace the thoughts that crowd your mind, to draw you back to your center when that monkey mind starts in. Then you bring the mantra into your inner voice.

I encourage you to listen to the entire video. I did the healing meditation at our Sunday service and I actually did feel a huge improvement in my lower back following the meditation. Deepak shared that this technique can also head off a migraine. How wonderful is that!

The Power of Intension or 

Meditation and The Law of Attraction

"Intention in this space is very powerful and orchestrates it's own fulfillment."

Deepak clarifies that "positive thinking" will cause stress if you're trying to force it. He says "It's more important to quiet your mind and see your intensions." 

Fill your heart with gratitude and ask your heart "What is it that I want?"

And listen for the answers. I can do that. 

Romancing the Presence

Week one of the Commitment Experiment started last Sunday. The Commitment Experiment challenges us to test the hypothesis that committing to something or someone wholly, completely, both-feet-in will bring:

 "A whole stream of events issues from the decision, 

raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, 

meetings and material assistance, 

which no man could have dreamt would have come his way. (W.H. Murray)"

The first assignment: determine how you like to be courted. This task took me back about 19 years to when I first started dating my husband. I remembered how I wanted to spend every minute with him. We would touch base throughout the day and my heart skipped a beat when I noticed his number coming up on my work phone. Mundane lunch hours became exciting knowing I would see him. I realized from these memories that during our courtship I felt special, noticed and important. There was an electricity in the air. Life was exciting.

After our Sunday afternoon workshop together, I asked Dr. Heather why we needed to explore the elements of courtship and she said to use that information to court the Divine within. That idea hit me like a lighting bolt and lingered in my mind for the rest of the day and into the next.

Ideas for romancing the presence came to mind:

• Carve out special time for Spiritual practices
• Put my connection with Spirit at the top of my list
• Make my time with the Divine private and intimate
• Pay attention to Spirit throughout the day
• Be playful, open, excited

On Monday morning as I was exercising, I listened to Jason Mraz's CD Love is a Four Letter Word. As the song "The Woman I Love" played in my ear buds I realized it could be the love song of my romance with the Divine. Spirit talking directly to me.



Some of my favorite lines...

"And in those times that you stop loving the woman I adore,
you can relax because babe I've got your back..."

And...

"I don't wish to change you, you've got it under control
You wake up each day different, another reason for me to keep holding on
I'm not attached to anyway you're showing up
I just want to love you
You're the woman I love."

So, as I explore this romance with the presence, I look forward to the greater expression of life that it brings. And I ask...How do you want to be courted? Can you apply that to your Spiritual practices this week?

Share any changes you notice in your experience in the comments.

The Commitment Experiment in San Clemente Begins

"Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it!" ~ Goethe

Fall has always felt like a time of new beginnings to me. At The Center for Spiritual Living we are dedicating the month of October to recommiting to our spiritual practices, ourselves and our community.

This Sunday was our first week of The Commitment Experiment. We made our commitment to expand our spiritual practices to actively deepen our connection to God (Universal Intelligence, The Divine, Spirit, whichever word you choose).

Step One
Decide which spiritual practices you are committing to do (i.e., meditate, pray, read, affirm, journal).

Step Two
Decide how much time and when you are committing to these practices.

Step Three:
Write your sacred commitment (example: I commit to invest 20 minutes each morning and each evening to meditate and pray).

We are all starting where we are at and experiment adding a little more. Commiting to it. Sharing it. Discussing it. Supporting each other in our journey. Come join us.

Words Have Power

At Rev. Bruce's recent workshop, Turbocharging the Law of Attraction, he explained that "no" is the most powerful word in the English language. As children, we were trained by our parents using the word "no." Our brain learned that "no" meant "you can't have that" or "you did something wrong." We internalized the feelings associated with hearing "no" and, as a result, when we hear it our body turns on the fight-or-flight response. The brain releases cortisol which attacks the emotional center of the brain and causes us to feel sad, stressed or depressed.

But here is the beautiful thing to know...there are other powerful words in the English language. Love, peace, joy, beauty, prosperity, freedom and abundance are just a few.

Bruce said it takes 3 to 5 positives to counteract the effects of one "no."

1. For two minutes repeat your favorite positive power word in your mind (love, joy, freedom, beauty, etc.)
2. Hug someone (friend, family member) or a pet and tell them you love them. Receive their love.
3. Make a gratitude list.
4. Recite a positive affirmation, like: I am all right, right now. 
5. Meditate for 10 minutes.
6. Say an affirmative prayer or call someone to pray with you.

These are just a few ideas. I bet you can think of a bunch more. Now incorporate those ideas into your daily activities. Create a strong list of powerful practices with power words that take the sting out of no.

Sunday Affirmation: It's Game Time

Today, spiritual practice rises to the top of my priority list, strengthening my faith, training my mind and releasing false beliefs, so that regardless of appearances I see Truth in all situations. Instantly and without effort, I choose to see God in all experiences knowing life is unfolding in perfect right order always.

Affirmation - Playing with Spiritual Practices

Today, I enter into my spiritual practices with child-like innocence, wonder and awe. Playfully, I explore silence, journaling and prayer, allowing my one-on-one time with God to be filled with great joy.

How the Practice of Listening Gave Me Answers

San Onofre Water Blessing 

Have you ever been witness to a scene that just wouldn't leave your memory. This happened to me just this last week. It wasn't an unusual scene but there must have been something in it that I needed to think about.

My 7 year old nephew was over to play with Ella. It was about an hour before bedtime and we let them know that.

"But isn't Ella going to come and play at MY house" asked Dane. "Well no, not tonight."

Meltdown.

And then my articulate and insightful Ella said compassionately to her cousin "I know Dane. I know. Sometimes when I don't get things the way I want them I just don't want them at all."

Wow! I resemble that remark.

I recognized a little of myself in that statement. I had a brief impulse to correct this "immature" point of view but then I thought maybe I should explore this in my own thoughts before I jump to correct the children. I chose to listen.

I have been struggling with this in my own way. When political, economic, environmental injustices occur I feel angry, unheard and sometimes I rail against the world all in my own head. I want to be heard and there is also a part of me that wants to burn the house down.

I want to matter. I want to make things better. I want everyone to jump on board and say "YES YES YES." And they don't always do it. After all I have all the answers to MY perfect world worked out in my head.

But what I learned this week is that Spirit is always supporting us. Even when we feel like pouting children Spirit is there sending messages and love. It's so remarkable.

So, would you like to know what I have learned?

Maybe your "Divine Discontent" is pointing you to your work. 
When Ian Percy came to our center he brought this idea. Your passion is energy drawing you to the work you were meant to do. We all have a part to play. Strong emotions point us in the direction of our path.

Make Constructive Use of What You Have
And then a book popped into my life. A small book by Wallace Wattles entitled "How to Get What You Want" I didn't even know it existed even though I had read his more popular book "The Science of Getting Rich" till the book was worn and falling apart. This book brought a message I had not heard before.

"Do not reach out after more until you have life to spare after doing perfectly all that you have to do now."

We all have things to do. They are ours to do. We are given gifts and passions and it is up to us to express them. You want to move things forward then bring your best self forward. Look around you and get creative about how you can leverage all your blessings. You have so many. Honor them.

You and Now are the only point of transformation that you are ever going to have.

We mustn't fight amongst ourselves. We must find a way to work together in Unity.
And Wednesday night we received a message from a dear dear friend that Dr. Masaru Emoto author of "The Hidden Messages in Water" and Ruben Saufkie would be performing his beautiful Hopi Water Blessing for the waters at San Onofre.

Again, things didn't turn out quite how I had hoped as I ended up chasing my 2 year old around piles of stinking fly infested seaweed while the ceremony was taking place. But as I chased her around I heard loud and clear "We mustn't fight amongst ourselves. We must find a way to work together in Unity."

It must have been the message I needed.

PRACTICE MAKES THE MASTER

PRACTICE MAKES THE MASTER

On Wednesday night, Rick Dale and I had the blessed opportunity to share an inspiration talk entitled, Practice Makes The Master.  This title came from a quote I heard from author and Toltec teacher, Don Miguel Ruiz, which states, “Practice makes the master. It's not about learning; it's about taking action and practicing your art (your art, meaning everything you create in your life).  As an artist, if you practice love and you keep practicing and practicing, the moment comes when everything you do is an expression of your love.  How will you know when you have mastered love?  When the story you tell yourself is an ongoing romance.”

I LOVE that...when the story you tell yourself is an ongoing romance!

So, we decided to share some simple daily practices which could be instrumental for just about anyone to experience an ongoing romance with life.  

• Practice Love--Share your love through Love Lingual:  quality time, touch, words of affirmation, receiving gifts, or service to others.
• Practice Silence--Get quiet, even if it's just for just a few minutes during the day to allow Infinite Wisdom and Infinite Peace to move through you.
• Practice Gratitude--Ponder someone for whom you are truly grateful and write them a note to let them know how much they mean to you.
• Practice Balance--Balance your life between work, rest and play.  Take the time to rest, even if it means missing out on something else.  Your body and mind with thank you.
• Practice Saying "No!"--Say, "No" to what is not working in your life and say, "Yes!" to a greater idea that does serve you.
• Practice Joy/Fun--Even if you're not feeling the joy, go out and find some fun to be had, even if you have to go to a playground and swing.  It can change your whole physiology and your attitude.

These are just a few basic ideas that can help you experience an ongoing romance with life and so easy to implement.  As Rick stated at the end, "Court life; light some candles; take Life out on a date; treat It with LOVE!"

PS.  I have to say that the pinnacle of the evening for me was watching my beloved 16 year old daughter get up in front of everyone and sing the song, "There Is Only Love".  Her raw (untrained) talent shone through and moved us all to tears.  Click on this link to hear the sweetness: 

Love Letters from Heaven

Right now, do you feel loved? 

Do you feel confident and  secure knowing that you are enough?
I watched the following Ted Talk today; it touched me deeply. It stimulated an idea in me.

What I hear the speaker saying is that writing love letters to strangers transformed her life, moving her out of depression into transformation. It lifted her spirits and gave her a sense of connection and belonging. She wrote them and left them places. 

It reminds me about the joy of receiving a letter from a loved one; the importance of letting people know that they are loved. I believe that it is a universal longing to connect, to be cherished and loved. Of course, spiritually we are loved by the Divine Presence and for many of us we want more.

A spiritual practice is to write a letter to yourself from God. It might go something like this: 
"Beloved One,
You are my best creation. I am so proud of you. I cherish everything about you. I cherish your successes and I cherish your so-called failures. You reflect my light so beautifully. You express all my best qualities -- love, grace, beauty, joy, compassion, intelligence and creativity. I love your physical body but more than that I love your noble spirit. Your life is my life in expression. Truly I am with you always. Life is at your feet. Your embodied desire is my command. Joyously I obey because I adore you. Save time for me every day.
With great love,
God"

Doesn't it sound like fun?
Let's do an experiment. If you would like to play, write a hand-written love letter, and send it to the Center, to my attention. Then on June 23rd, when my theme for the day is "Happily Even After" we can distribute them to anyone who wants one. let's see how much love we can generate. I will keep you posted.

Write to me:
Heather Clark
C/o Center for Spiritual Living Capistrano Valley
1201 Puerta del Sol
San Clemente, CA  92673

Good Morning World!

Good morning world, good morning universe, I'm on my way to a wondrous day! These words came to mind as I awakened from a deep refreshing sleep and brought a smile of appreciation and joy to my face and being.

As I continued with my waking up practice of saying a prayer of thanksgiving for the day I could feel my joy shaping my words and moving me into excitement and anticipation for the day that was ahead of me. Was it a special day? Not really, there were no birthdays to celebrate, no parties to attend, I was not going anywhere or doing anything special. Or so I might think. The day was an ordinary day of working with people I love, appreciate and enjoy being with.  Friends I have not seen in months were there.  Just by coincidence? I think not! Cooperation and kindness abounded amongst all of us and I felt the awesome feeling of knowing I am doing great work, that I am surrounded by people I love and we are sharing this beautiful life. 

All of that just because I started my day with a song and a prayer of thanksgiving? Yes, I believe it was. As it turns out my practice of welcoming my day is not new and I am not unique. Many of my friends and colleagues make this a practice. As important as our nighttime prayers is our morning greeting. So this morning before I get out of bed I am again reminding myself and setting my day in motion: Good morning world, good morning universe, I'm ready now for a wondrous day! I'm ready now for great and glorious things and I'm excited great things are coming my way!

Finding Beauty in Messy Family Life

In our busy family lives, how often do we take a moment to honor the beauty around us.

Last night, snuggled in bed, I flipped through my copy of Simple Abundance and was drawn to the essay from January 18 titled Beauty: Opening Our Eyes to the Beauty That Surrounds Us.

Sarah Ban Breathnach writes:

"Gaze into the faces of those you love, set the table with care, and relish the preparations you make for dinner, delighting in the presentation of your meal. Light candles, pour wine or sparking water into your prettiest goblets and celebrate this new awareness. It is in the details of life that beauty is revealed, sustained and nurtured."

Don't you just breathe a little deeper reading this? Doesn't it sound so lovely and peaceful?

It doesn't say:

"Grab what you can out of the fridge. Throw together something they will eat, regardless of its nutrition. Yell at everyone to come to the table. Fight with preschooler to eat. Remind teens to put their knees down and receive an eye roll in return. Gobble down what's on your plate. Then clean up as fast as possible to get homework finished, dishes done, and kids bathed. And, to maintain your sanity and patience, drink an extra glass of wine."

Hmmm...I see room for improvement. I do have to say, that occasionally we stop before eating and do the blessing Rev. Pattie teaches the kids in the Center's Kids Day Out Program. In case you don't know it, it goes like this:

Hand up.
Hands down.
Breathe (take a long satisfying deep breath)
Breathe again (that felt so good we do it again)
Thank you for our food (said together) 

Every time we do that before our meal, it slows us down just enough and usually invites more conversation.

So for today, I intend to slow down, light some candles, set the table, drink out of my beautiful crystal and pray. And when I can't find the beauty or even the peace, God grant me the ability to see the humor and laugh.

What do you do to honor the beauty in your busy life? How do you slow down? Share it with me. As you can see, I could use inspiration.

Debbie Ford...The life she touched

 Debbie Ford lived authentically and had the courage to shine her light into her shadows
and helped illuminate all of ours.

Just last month I wrote about my process of embracing my shadow characteristics and emotions inspired by the book, Dark Side of the Light Chasers written by Debbie Ford. It's been a favorite and classic book on my book shelf that I refer to occasionally when called.

Well, today, I read the sad news that Debbie Ford made her transition yesterday after a long battle with cancer. In a letter, her sister wrote that Debbie was ready and that she felt she had completed her mission here on Earth. I have to say that I am so grateful she lived and that she touched my life through her writing.

I can't even begin to imagine how many lives she transformed through her books, her talks, her videos and her foundations. She lived authentically and had the courage to shine her light into her shadows and helped illuminate all of ours.

Rest in Peace Debbie Ford.

Vulnerability a Spiritual Practice?

I was having a conversation today with a friend/acquaintance about vulnerabilities that we both had.  In sharing each of our most vulnerable moments/fears in life, we realized how much we had in common.

It became a connector for us.  Both afraid to express our vulnerabilities, yet finding that they were the very link between us that will allow us to expand our friendship.  It was an eye-opener for both of us.

I was reminded of this Brene Brown TED Talk and thought it broaches an interesting question:  Is vulnerability a spiritual practice?