Quakers explore ‘ritual as hope’
Winchmore Hill Friends have been considering the theme of hope and ritual
Winchmore Hill Friends have been considering the theme of hope and ritual, following a talk by a Quaker artist. Anne McNeill Pulati spoke on the subject on 5 December, after interviewing many people on the rituals that help them sustain hope in a turbulent world. ‘Hope is an aspect we all benefit from, if we learn how to generate it from within ourselves,’ she told the Friend. ‘Rituals for optimism, hope, and positivity can help us move into a more comfortable space in our lives when we are dealing with uncertainty, depression, negativity or hopelessness.’ This can be as simple as praying with a mantra, or a morning cup of special coffee, she added.
According to Anne, who is interested in presenting further talks on the subject, the event was an opportunity for people to consider what rituals they adopt to sustain a more hopeful mindset. ‘It was in a participatory, worship-sharing style, and I took a painting to show how image and my spiritual journey are interlinked.’
The talk was partly inspired by ‘Greek legends, biblical parables, or Hindu allegories’, as well as Janet Gilbraith’s words in Quaker faith & practice in 1986: ‘The two qualities which are most important to children of today are hope and imagination. Hope to believe they can change the world they live in and imagination to find ways to do so.’
