The Power of Ritual audiobook

As charming as the author is on his podcast he is even lovelier in writing. And so wise and helpful.

No matter how young or old we are, our technological society increasingly makes us feel isolated and deprived of a life purpose. The church is no longer able to give us meaning, but at the same time we are desperate for meaning. How can we feel connected with ourselves, with each other and with the world? Casper ter Kuile shows us that we can create new rituals during and out of our everyday activities. We can draw universal life lessons from the books we read. At the gym we can not only train our muscles during CrossFit and SoulCycle, but also feel connected with the other attendees. And we can just turn off a phone, but we can also turn it into a magical moment that makes us aware that we need to rest. In The Power of Ritual, Casper ter Kuile invites us to deepen these kinds of everyday actions into moments of happiness and contact. The book shows that what we have been doing all day long is not only important, but can even be the basis of inner reflection and real meaning. An accessible, insightful and interesting read with pages filled with wisdom and reminders of how ritual can positively impact your life. This is an eminently readable book I highly recommend to those looking for inspiration to reset the way they think and to connect with the real world, rather than the increasingly virtual one we now inhabit, once more.

Casper’s podcast Harry Potter and the Sacred Text has been a kind and calming force in my life, especially while self-isolating, so even though I don’t normally go for self-help books I’m determined to pick this one up. Casper’s advice has already changed the way I read, write, and feel about the world, and that was just when he was talking about Harry Potter, so I’m sure this book will have an even larger positive impact on my days. (Besides, John Green liked it.)Update: I loved it!

Don't be fooled by the fun and playful cover - this book is profound, widely researched and full of adaptable approaches to living a more intentional and purposeful life. It gives insights into how to create spiritual and sacred experiences within a very secular context. There's so much here that I'm genuinely going to reflect on and think about - it might just be one of those books that you look back on and know it played a part at a pivotal point in life.

Wow, I enjoyed this one a lot! I definitely didn't expect what was to follow! It is not a book about ordinary rituals but spiritual ones. What distinguishes them is the intention we set. It's a book that gives a very nice overview of existing practices (some new and some familiar ones) but puts them in a new frame that surprised me. These are contemporary religious practices of contemporary non-religious people. Living in an era full of "nones" (people who tick "none" when being asked which religion they belong to), it doesn't mean that people don't believe in God or don't feel spiritual (even if they think so - which was the case of the author btw). It's more a situation where contemporary (Western) people cannot relate to the existing religions and don't practice them. (Btw, I was reminded that before it was not "do you believe" but "do you practice"; it's all about practice.)The book goes to four levels of connection - with yourself; with others; with nature; with the transcendent. - Chapter 1 explores two everyday practices that help us connect to our authentic self: sacred reading (Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, whaaat? https://www.harrypottersacredtext.com/) and sabbath (your own sabbath - which can take form in a time alone, digital detox, creative time, etc); - Chapter 2 proposes eating and exercising together as two sacred tools to help us connect deeply with others (different ritual before eating, the cancer dinner party - https://www.thedinnerparty.org/; and different sport journeys with a human focus);- Chapter 3 focuses on reimagining pilgrimage and the liturgical calendar to connect us more intimately with the natural world (contemporary pilgrimages; celebrating the seasons and invite nature at home); - Chapter 4 explores what connecting to the divine might look like by reframing prayer and participating in a regular small group of support and accountability (adoration - contrition - thanksgiving - supplication, could be done in small groups which moved me a lot). It got me thinking about ways to stay connected. It inspired me to (re-)introduce some of the practices. After I finished listening to the audio book, I immediately wanted to re-read it as an ebook. I immediately wanted to give it as a present to a friend. Yes, it moved me way more than I would have imagined and this makes me feel I needed it! Definitely recommended.

This book couldn't have come at a better time! Author Casper ter Kuile not only examines issues such as loneliness, overcoming tech addiction and the profound feeling of dissatisfaction/disconnection from modern life, which so many people were already feeling before the Coronavirus pandemic, and so many more are feeling even more strongly now.Casper also explores all sorts of practical and easy rituals you can carry out in your own home (perfect for our new Corona lifestyles!) from new ways to approach your favourite books or films, to meditation, small, local pilgrimages and even turning workouts into something divine! I'd really recommend this book for all ages, from teenagers to the retired. Casper makes his case for a more ritualistic approach to life in a refreshingly accessible and personal way, whilst still packing in loads of interesting facts and figures, with a fun sense of humour and an endearing level of honesty. The perfect lockdown read to make you review your life in a more positive, new light!

Dude I think this book is pop anthropology! Fucking incredible. It's an exploration of connection, community, and identity (and especially fragmented modern identity), our arbitrary distinction between the sacred and the profane, and how we translate traditional religious rituals into a contemporary spiritual context. That's a terrible summary but I won't try to write a better one because you should just read it!!! I cried like 4 times whilst listening. This sits in the same spot in my mind/heart as Situated Learning by Lave & Wenger and The Sound Of A Wild Snail Eating by Bailey. I will be buying 50+ copies so I can loan it to every person I fucking know and/or so I can own more of this book (ok so idk how intellectual property works).

How to find your soul when you don’t believe in godThis book really blew me away and changed my life. As a former devout Christian who lost my belief in God, I thought spiritual things were not for me anymore. This book gives both instructions and permissions to adopt and adapt the best of both secular and religious practices to find meaning and connection, without just being some new take on consumer spirituality. I plan to re-read immediately and expect to come back to this book many times in the future.

Rated less for the literary qualities or how I connected with the content but more for the project and the ideas contained therein. I believe in what ter Kuile and others like him are doing—bringing more joy, meaning, and purpose into our lives through intentional spiritual and religious practices. I didn’t agree or connect with everything he suggested, and I’m skeptical of some of the assumptions he made, but I believe everyone has something to gain from his invitations.

Through the utilization of conscious and thoughtful habits and rituals, Casper ter Kuile encourages us to find ways to get in touch with ourselves, our communities, nature, and the transcendent - regardless of our religious beliefs (or lack thereof).Read for my PBB Book Club, I was (I must admit) a bit wary to begin as a long-time atheist. "What do I need with a book on spirituality?" I asked myself. Regardless of my trepidation, this book was well worth my time. Copious notes later, I feel inspired to make time for quiet rituals that feed my soul*(for lack of a better word) and to designate a day without technology at regular intervals to give my mind a much-needed break.I do wish Kuile had provided further examples, especially when it comes to connecting with the transcendent in a non-religious context. I am intrigued by the practices mentioned and yet feel at a loss on how to begin, or even how to frame such a practice within an atheist mindset! This book was short and easy to digest but felt it was missing substance at times.I do believe this book will have a meaningful impact on how I live my life, and for that I am grateful. I'd highly recommend picking this up, especially if you don't partake in religion, for another perspective on the possibility of secular spirituality!VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Tbcj...Trigger Warning: discussion of a fall that caused traumatic and serious injuryYou can find me on...Youtube | Instagram | Twitter

Looking for your next great read? Check out all my book reviews on MomAdvice and join our Patreon community for loads of bookish fun.I always like a "reset" book when the year starts and this was the perfect book, even in these COVID-filled times.Kuile brings together wisdom and research to show the power of rituals in your life and how these can bring joy and structure to your day.Treating the ordinary routines as a sacred practice immediately elevates whatever you are doing whether it is reading a good book, connecting with friends, connecting with nature, or connecting with a higher being.I found myself highlighting so many portions of this book and found it to be the perfect excuse to connect with friends to discuss.I knew that I did not want to set a lot of New Year's intentions this year, but rituals feel like something that is nourishing and that can add some structure to my day. With Kuile's guidance, I'm creating some new practices in my life and treating old habits as sacred rituals now.

A pleasant read. I liked reading a chapter or two before bed to really let this one soak in. The author does a good job of offering various perspectives through a personable lens by offering insights about his own narrative throughout the book. Favorite parts were learning about forest bathing, pilgrimages, the different types of prayer, and the research that went into writing the book.—-Second read on audio was good. The author has a soothing voice. Here are my notes from read two: Can I still be in the same accounts with fidelity so I can move in kind Before beginning a ritual you own the journey and are in control- once the journey begins the ritual owns you Electro shock crawl ?!?!? No longer blinded by individualism When communities become cults - a strong community should not deny ones individuality Nature deficit disorder Wired for worship Thinking about death daily

Actual rating is a 3.5.If I wasn't a long-time listener of Harry Potter and the Sacred text, which ter Kuile cohosts, I'm not sure I would've picked up The Power of Ritual. I'm inherently skeptical of anything remotely resembling a self-help book, which made my enjoyment of this book even more surprising. There is a ton of well-argued points on actions you can take to better connect with yourself, those around you, nature, and something broader that ter Kuile calls "the transcendent." This book made me look critically at the places in my life where I find meaning and connection with others. I feel like I have a better understanding now of what exactly it is I gain from these places, how to strengthen these existing practices, and the areas in my life where I need some more intentional behaviors (such as my relationship with technology). I really appreciated that The Power of Ritual is written in a way that's very welcoming of any and all approaches that seek to boost connection; there's absolutely no pressure to follow the examples that ter Kuile outlines in his book or arguments that his way is the "right" way. If you're looking to evaluate how to find deeper meaning in your life and a renewed sense of connection with those around you, I'd highly recommend checking out this book. It left me with a lot to think about.

I have long been a fan of the author's podcast, Harry Potter and the Sacred Text, and have had a few interactions with him on social media and online events he has organised during the pandemic. In my experience every thing he puts into the world is food for my soul, and so I was predisposed to love this book. Which I did. His wisdom about ritual is simple but excellent. The prose style is clear, erudite and accessible. This book's main premise is that as religions are waning in popularity, we can nevertheless find the joy, meaning and connection of spirituality by making a more homebrewed calendar of rituals. Which I am ALL. FOR. I am a former evangelical Christian and whilst the religion no longer fits me, I often miss the deep connections that lifestyle offers. I am always on the hunt to figure out what a Godless spirituality even means, and how to practise it. I now have some really concrete suggestions from this book that I will begin experimenting with ASAP. After I finished the book, I couldn't sleep because my mind was spinnning off with ideas.