The Power of Ritual: Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices

by Casper ter Kuile

On the days when they had more physical pain, older people in satisfying relationships were just as happy as they were on the days when they felt fine. But for the elderly participants who had unsatisfying relationships, their physical pain was magnified by emotional pain. Finally, the study concluded that good relationships don’t just protect our bodies; they protect our brains. When we feel like we can count on other people in times of need, our memory stays intact for longer.

Expectant mothers who spend time in nature have healthier babies, and being around plants can even strengthen our immune system and prevent illness.

You may remember hearing about what happened when the city of Melbourne, Australia, assigned email addresses to trees throughout the city so that citizens could report dangerous branches or other problems. Instead, nearby citizens wrote thousands of love letters to their favorite trees.