Rituals of caring can build community: Sun Messages - cleveland.com

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SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Over coffee some years back, my friend -- let’s call her “N” -- revealed that she had discovered comfort in rituals. This surprised me.

We were at the age when people often set aside rituals that are connected with faith traditions, especially. And work demands at that phase of life typically removed the rituals of a regular meal with family in favor of “grab and go.”

Our conversation continued. She even had developed rituals that she creatively devised for herself.

As a busy social worker who encountered many stressors throughout the day, she made a point of setting aside a few minutes each morning to sit at her kitchen counter with a cup of tea -- and several inspiring books she would consult to start the day with a calm energy.

And she did not just enjoy reading comics; she chose to share the mirth. She would cut out strips that might appeal to friends in various professions. Getting an envelope filled with pre-selected “funnies” was inevitably a treat; my friend chose well.

Perhaps you’ve heard someone complain of “empty” rituals. That word often signals a lack of connection between the individual and the act.

The daily rituals we practice, as humble as that of brushing our teeth, can be infused with a spark (not literally), but drained of energy -- as anyone can be during a prolonged pandemic. Some conscious effort and receptivity to possibilities are required.

The ritual itself is both giver and receiver. Whether lighting holiday candles or incense, for example -- as is the practice in several traditions -- the doer attempts a mindset. Jogging or walking rituals can begin with conscious preparation, even a moment or to reflect. Even the rituals we create from scratch, to lift our own spirits or to give to others, might help a bit of warmth to light our efforts.

At regular follow-up health visits at Hillcrest Hospital, I pause to ponder the angel display pictured above. There is such a crowd of them that there is always something new to notice.

And during these grayer days, I have created a new ritual -- “sky watching.” This could be for birds, but now I’ve decided to seek out patches of blue or any inkling of light. As I write this, there is a sudden sunbeam, playing hide-and-seek with the clouds. Nourishing!

The gift of food: Among our basic needs are food, water, air and shelter. I never forgot that bit of learning from early school days.

Here are some opportunities I learned of recently. The Heights Emergency Food Center (HEFC) housed at Disciples Christian Church is a resource to consider; however, readers must meet certain requirements. HEFC serves only residents of Cleveland Heights, University Heights, South Euclid and Lyndhurst.

During COVID, HEFC is waiving residency requirements, but clients must meet the government household income limits to be eligible to receive food once per calendar month.

The church is at 3663 Mayfield Road in Cleveland Heights. Phone: 216-381-0707. Email: hefc@att.net Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HEIGHTS-EMERGENCY-FOOD-CENTER-143602368988250/?ref=ts.

The family member (or designated proxy) picking up the food must bring a photo ID at every visit to be served.

New clients not in the HEFC service area will be served on a one-time basis and information about other area pantries.

In addition, The Little Free Pantry at Bethany Covenant Church has been well utilized in recent weeks.The pantry is located on the driveway directly north of the church building at 5120 Ridgebury Blvd., Lyndhurst. Phone is 440-442-5050.

If a resident has need of toiletries, household supplies, baby food, cat food or other non-food items, the church office can be called to make an appointment for consideration.

The church gratefully accepts donation of shelf-stable foods and toiletries. which can be placed in the gray bin on the office stairs directly across from the Little Free Pantry. In great demand are quality peanut butter and canned meats: ham, chicken, tuna, beef and so on.

Grocery store gift cards are also appreciated and can be mailed to the church office.

Santa spotting: From the City of Lyndhurst: From 7 to 8 p.m. Friday (Dec. 3), some readers may wish to take a walk down “Candy Cane Lane” through Lyndhurst Park and see Santa at the gazebo. Guests may snap pictures in front of Santa -- properly distanced of course.

Stop by the Community Center patio to pick up a cup of hot chocolate and individually wrapped cookies. Cookies and a beverage are a comforting ritual, too.

Visitors of all ages who are striving to be good can visit Candy Cane Lane any evening during the holiday season.

Spread your word: Hillcrest residents are clever and resourceful. Share with me a fresh ritual if you wish! And if you have a bit of news to share with your email, I’ll be all ears! Checking for “Sun Messages” in the subject line of my emails is part of a columnist’s ritual pack. Write mariashinestewart@gmail.com. Messages in an email or as a Word attachment preferred. No PDFs please.

For more Hillcrest-area news, click on Sun Messenger.

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Rituals of caring can build community: Sun Messages - cleveland.com
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