March Forth

By Brock

As a doctoral student in both theology and psychology, I’ve spent the last year studying the human search for meaning and purpose. One recurring theme I’ve encountered is the feeling of emptiness, both personal and religious. Many individuals, myself included, have at times yearned for something more, a sense of connection and belonging that transcends the everyday. This yearning often manifests as a lack of fulfillment in life, a longing for deeper meaning and connection. These feeling can be alleviated through religious connections, but for some, religion is the very reason for the feelings of loss.

The importance of ritual in fostering well-being is increasingly recognized by the research community. Clinical psychologist Dr. Lisa Miller, in her book “The Body Keeps the Score,” argues that “rituals help us organize our chaotic experiences and emotions into a meaningful narrative.” Similarly, Dr. Emile Durkheim, a founding figure in sociology, said that “rituals bind individuals together and provide a sense of belonging and shared identity.”

By incorporating rituals into our lives, we can cultivate a sense of personal growth, spiritual connection, and community belonging, regardless of religious affiliation. These three aspects are important for physical and mental health.

My family is like a holiday buffet – we celebrate everything. From Christmas to Hanukkah, Holi to small anniversaries, Kwanzaa to Passover, we find reasons to gather, share stories, and connect with each other and ourselves. While we don’t subscribe to every religious belief behind each celebration, we embrace the spirit of joy, community, and reflection that they all bring. It’s about finding the good in every tradition, not subscribing to every detail, but using them as springboards to connect and create our own unique family moments.

There is one holiday I have struggled to bring into my personal life. I’ve always felt drawn to the concept of a day dedicated to reflection and renewal. Something that is found in many religions. This used to by New Year’s Day. It resonates deeply with my own sense of spirituality, which is heavily focused on new beginnings, change and growth. While Yom Kippur holds immense significance within Judaism, its core themes of forgiveness, reflection, and renewal are universal. For those seeking a more secular practice, these themes can be repurposed and celebrated. I found inspiration from Sasha Sagan’s “For Small Creatures Such as We.” I have decided that my day of reflection and atonement is now on the aptly named March 4th, or March Forth. March Forth offers a powerful framework for individuals to cultivate a sense of ritual and meaning in their lives, independent of any specific religious tradition.

A Secular Day of Reflection

Here’s how to create your own meaningful ritual on your March Forth day (or whatever day you chose as your day of reflection):

1. Reflection and Forgiveness:

• Journaling: Take time to reflect on the past year. What went well? What could you do differently moving forward? Are there people you need to forgive, or who might need your forgiveness? Write them a letter (you don’t have to send it), or simply acknowledge the power of letting go.
• Digital Detox: Disconnect from technology. This allows you to focus inward and reconnect with yourself and the world around you. Also, stay away from social media. We gave up social media for Lent. While some may be reading this on social media because it automatically posts when we write (I am sad to say we will not be able to respond until after Easter as our notifications are off and apps deleted, please text or call).

2. Gratitude and Renewal:

• Gratitude Practice: Write down or say aloud things you’re grateful for, big or small. Shift your perspective by acknowledging the positive aspects of your life.
• Goal Setting: This is your time to set intentions for the future. What kind of person do you want to be? What changes do you want to make? Craft goals and aspirations for the coming year.

3. Rituals for Renewal:

• Nature Walk: Immerse yourself in the beauty of nature. Hike in the woods, have a picnic by a lake, or simply sit in your backyard. Being present in nature can be incredibly calming and restorative.
• Service to Others: Volunteer your time or donate to a cause you care about. Helping others strengthens your community and fosters a sense of purpose.
• Creative Expression: Channel your emotions and intentions into art, music, or writing. Expressing yourself creatively can be cathartic and inspiring.

My March Forth Day

My March Forth Day will begin as most, with reading and reflection.  After a morning spent journaling and rehashing the mistakes from the past year, I’ll head out for a long walk. Surrounded by the area that I dearly love and the beauty of spring, I’ll jot down goals and aspirations for the future. The day will conclude with a relaxing evening spent with my family as we meet for our weekly Family Night, with this one being specifically devoted to healing and looking forward.  As always, the actuality of what happens will not be anything like I hope, and that is OK too.  The goal is looking forward and pivoting with the changes.

Healing Through Ritual

For those who have been hurt by traditional religion or looking for more out of their current practices, creating your own rituals can be especially empowering. March Forth allows you to claim a space for reflection and renewal on your own terms, fostering a sense of personal growth and meaning.

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to celebrate your day of reflection. The goal is to find practices that resonate with you and create a meaningful experience that propels you forward with a lighter heart and a clearer vision for the future.

Please, let me know how it goes.