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[vc_row full_width=”” parallax=”” parallax_image=””][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]The Science of Ritual: How Ancient Human Rites Enhance Present Day Happiness

Every culture has rituals which, according to speaker Heidi Yorkshire, reinforce the bonds of a group.  Rituals themselves don’t necessarily affect change, e.g. performing a rain dance seldom results in rain.  In an uncertain world where humans want to have a sense of control, rituals perform another important function: they actually increase feelings of happiness.

The Harvard Business School studied the role of ritual in alleviating grief and found that rituals, no matter what they were, lessened grief by increasing participants’ feelings of control.  The Carlson School studied rituals surrounding food and drink, such as opening a bottle of wine, lighting candles on a birthday cake, and eating an Oreo cookie.  Researchers found that the kind of ritual didn’t matter; it was the repetitive behavior that held the key to enhanced satisfaction, enjoyment, and value.  Heidi is convinced that the popularity of Oreos relates more to the way they are eaten–filling first, chocolate cookie first, etc.–rather than their actual taste.

Heidi Yorkshire is a secular Life-Cycle Celebrant®, certified as a Wedding Officiant and Funeral Officiant by the Celebrant Institute, and conducts ceremonies for life transitions of all kinds.  In addition to officiating at weddings and memorials, she collaborates with clients to create ceremonies and rituals for important moments ranging from baby-namings and housewarmings to divorces and pet farewells. A nationally published journalist for almost 30 years, Heidi learned the deep power of a well-told story.  She is also a serial entrepreneur who has originated and run many ventures, including business seminars and publishing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]