The Power of Ritual

Turning Everyday Activities into Soulful Practices

De: Casper ter Kuile

Narrado por: Casper ter Kuile

Casper ter Kuile, a Harvard Divinity School fellow and cohost of the popular Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast, explores how we can nourish our souls by transforming common, everyday practices—yoga, reading, walking the dog—into sacred rituals that can heal our crisis of social isolation and struggle to find purpose—a message we need more than ever for our spiritual and emotional well-being in the age of COVID-19.

“After half a decade of research and hundreds of conversations with people around the country, I am convinced we are in the midst of a paradigm shift. That what used to hold us in community no longer works, and that the spiritual offerings of yesteryear no longer help us thrive.”–Casper ter Kuile

What do Soul Cycle, gratitude journals, and tech breaks have in common? For ter Kuile they offer rituals that create the foundation for our modern spiritual lives.

We are in crisis today. Our modern technological society has left too many of us—no matter our ages—feeling isolated and bereft of purpose. Previous frameworks for building community and finding meaning no longer support us. Yet ter Kuile reveals a hopeful new message: we might not be religious, but that doesn’t mean we are any less spiritual.

Instead, we are in the midst of a paradigm shift in which we seek belonging and meaning in secular practices. Today, we find connection in:

• CrossFit and SoulCycle, which offer a sense of belonging rooted in accountability and support much like church groups
• Harry Potter and other beloved books that offer universal lessons
• Gratitude journals, which have replaced traditional prayer
• Tech breaks, which provide mindful moments of calm

In The Power of Ritual, ter Kuile invites us to deepen these ordinary practices as intentional rituals that nurture connection and wellbeing. With wisdom and endearing wit, ter Kuile’s call for ritual is ultimately a call to heal our loss of connection to ourselves, to others, and to our spiritual identities.

The Power of Ritual reminds us that what we already do every day matters—and has the potential to become a powerful experience of reflection, sanctuary, and meaning.

A helpful and heartfelt guide

I've been a big fan of Casper and his work on the Harry Potter and the Sacred Text podcast for a while now. With The Power of Ritual, Casper delivers a well-researched guide to spiritual practices, and how they can be adapted to meet your needs and lifestyle. I found it really practical -- I've used it to help me deepen practices I was already doing, such as walking with my dog and reading a book. it's made me more aware of my self in relation to others and the world at large. I loved hearing Casper tell personal stories of spiritual growth. Not only did they complement the practices he described, but they also made the idea of spirituality more accessible. It really felt like a friend giving me pearls of wisdom. I hope I find myself re-reading this book in times when I feel lost or disconnected.

Interesting ideas

Some new ideas and good examples and stories. Narration was well paced and easy to listen to.

I love this book so much

I love Casper’s work. His podcasts and now his book help guide me through life.

totalmente recomendado

un excelente contenido que vale la pena invertir tiempo en ello. aprovecha y lealo hoy!

absolutely loves this book

the authors narration was flawless and his voice is so soothing. the content was compelling and really got me thinking about spirituality in a new way