Ritual is an important aspect of human life that helps to create a sense of community, cohesion, belonging, and meaningfulness. It can also be used to bridge gaps between individuals who may have experienced traumatic events such as military deployments or natural disasters. Shared rituals can provide a common ground for those affected by these experiences to come together and heal. In this article, I will explore how shared rituals and routines can help rebuild intimacy disrupted by deployment and trauma.
One way that shared rituals can help rebuild intimacy is through creating a routine. When deployed military members return home after extended periods of time away from their families, they often struggle to adjust back into civilian life and find it difficult to connect with their loved ones again. By establishing a regular schedule for meals, bedtime, chores, and other daily activities, families can begin to feel more connected and secure. This can include things like weekly family dinners, movie nights, or game nights. These rituals provide a sense of normalcy and stability in what may otherwise feel chaotic and unpredictable.
Another way shared rituals can help rebuild intimacy is by providing opportunities for communication and connection. Many couples experience difficulty communicating effectively during times of stress and trauma. Through participating in shared rituals, such as cooking dinner together or taking walks outside, couples can practice effective communication skills and build trust.
The act of sharing a physical activity together can increase bonding and intimacy, which is especially important after long separations due to deployment.
Shared rituals can also serve as an opportunity for self-expression and creativity.
Painting together, writing stories or poems, or engaging in creative play with children can be used as a form of therapy and expression. This allows individuals to express themselves without words and deepen their relationships with one another.
Shared rituals can offer a sense of safety and security. Participating in these activities provides a predictable structure that can help individuals feel safe and comfortable in their surroundings. This is particularly important for those who have experienced traumatic events that disrupt their sense of safety and security. By practicing shared rituals, individuals can find comfort and support in each other and work towards restoring a sense of normalcy.
Shared rituals and routines can provide a meaningful and powerful tool for healing and rebuilding intimacy. They create a sense of community, cohesion, belonging, and meaningfulness while offering a structured environment for communication and expression. Through participation in shared rituals, families affected by deployment and trauma can begin to rebuild their bonds and move forward together.
In what ways can shared rituals or routines help rebuild intimacy disrupted by deployment and trauma?
Shared rituals or routines can provide structure and predictability, which are essential for rebuilding intimacy after a period of separation or trauma. They can also create opportunities for meaningful interactions and communication, promoting a sense of connection and closeness between partners. Additionally, these activities may offer a distraction from negative thoughts or feelings associated with deployment or trauma, allowing couples to focus on each other instead of their individual struggles.