Oh I love this newsletter in particular Ryan! My Dad (a farmer) has always said that rituals are an essential part of a happy life. I used to think that was such a boring comment, but I can see it now!
Another great article. Made me think of the Japanese tea ceremony too. i.e. drinking tea is not the important part or the reason why people make tea for their guests. It is the ritual where people clean and make tea in the same old manners that matters. These subtle things are the ones that give us a sense of purity, tranquillity, respect and harmony.
The reason that these rituals survive and are maintained for centuries of because they are good for us. Thanks for sharing this, I can imagine that Japanese culture is full of these little rituals.
Now I understand why your father never featured on Outback Opal Hunters, the people on that show are all about finding gemstones, not about the moving of dirt!
Time is the only constant measurement we have, yet its what we make time for that we measure ourselves against.
I just enjoyed reading that so much, the connection you found between your dad's mining and your writing, and the description of Sicilian life. So clever how you weave it all together.
Every morning I let one dog out of my son’s room, and the other (bigger and crazier) dog out of the downstairs laundry. I get their bowls and they jump around excitedly, waiting to be fed. I make them sit, and stand back to watch them enjoy their breakfast/lunch/dinner. The littlest dog, Vasco makes this weird contented growl when he gets his bowl. Giorgia the mad Labrador jumps up vertically as high as my hands that hold the bowl. It’s a funny and enjoyable chore, and my little morning ritual. Thanks for your writing, always something to think about.
Love this. The older I get the more I move toward a simpler life. I still haven’t nailed the rituals part, but I’m working on that. I like the idea of physically working at a rhythmic pace on something.
One of your best. Purpose is what we want, not a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.
Thanks Justin. There are very few pots out there, may as well as enjoy the rainbow.
One of my favourites so far!
Thanks Amy. Happy that you enjoyed that one.
Wonderful, as always, Ryan.
Thanks Nikhil. Always great to have you dropping in!
Oh I love this newsletter in particular Ryan! My Dad (a farmer) has always said that rituals are an essential part of a happy life. I used to think that was such a boring comment, but I can see it now!
Thanks Alex. Funny how things our parents tell us end up making sense at some point!
Another great article. Made me think of the Japanese tea ceremony too. i.e. drinking tea is not the important part or the reason why people make tea for their guests. It is the ritual where people clean and make tea in the same old manners that matters. These subtle things are the ones that give us a sense of purity, tranquillity, respect and harmony.
The reason that these rituals survive and are maintained for centuries of because they are good for us. Thanks for sharing this, I can imagine that Japanese culture is full of these little rituals.
Now I understand why your father never featured on Outback Opal Hunters, the people on that show are all about finding gemstones, not about the moving of dirt!
Time is the only constant measurement we have, yet its what we make time for that we measure ourselves against.
Thanks Sowts. I can see you starting your own newsletter on here: The Front Row Philosopher. I'll read it.
100% honest Ryan.. no funds have been received...yet!
I just enjoyed reading that so much, the connection you found between your dad's mining and your writing, and the description of Sicilian life. So clever how you weave it all together.
Thank you Sarah. Very happy to hear that a loyal reader is still enjoying dropping in here!
Every morning I let one dog out of my son’s room, and the other (bigger and crazier) dog out of the downstairs laundry. I get their bowls and they jump around excitedly, waiting to be fed. I make them sit, and stand back to watch them enjoy their breakfast/lunch/dinner. The littlest dog, Vasco makes this weird contented growl when he gets his bowl. Giorgia the mad Labrador jumps up vertically as high as my hands that hold the bowl. It’s a funny and enjoyable chore, and my little morning ritual. Thanks for your writing, always something to think about.
Sounds like you have it sorted out already! Enjoy those mornings!
Thanks for this lovely reminder that our daily rituals give us meaning and a sense of purpose.
Most welcome Gail. It is very easy to lose sight of the little things that ultimately are so important.
Always brings a smile to my face seeing your Out of Office notification Ryan!
Looking forward to picking up my copy of the Ballad of Abdul Wade when I'm next back in Oz too!
Please clarify that this was not a paid comment! But I'll take it! Thanks for the support Trent and I hope you are entertained by The Ballad!
Love this. The older I get the more I move toward a simpler life. I still haven’t nailed the rituals part, but I’m working on that. I like the idea of physically working at a rhythmic pace on something.
After a certain age, life seems to be a constant paring back, a search for the essential.
This truly resonates with me. Grazie mille.
Thank you Lynne. Are we related? I don't see too many Butta's around...
I don’t know if we are related - though it is an unusual surname, even for Isole Eolie. My family is originally from Salina, two generations ago.
I had an amazing lunch on Salina. A beautiful place in the world.
Indeed.
.....and not a mention of coffee...bravo ☕️
I put coffee into the category of addictive habit rather than a healthy ritual
Thanks for this beautiful piece, Ryan
Thank you for reading, Andrew and for the kind words. It is much appreciated.
Has got me thinking…. Well written as always
Thanks Chris. I think you have already discovered the benefits of ritual, riding not digging for you.