The Value of Action

“When one understands the inner meaning of these externals, he can start enjoying the divine grace that flows through the practice of rituals. Rituals provide a context in which one receives full opportunity to understand the value of action.” - Seven Systems of Indian Philosophy by Pandit Rajmani Tigunait, Ph.D.

When I came across these words the other day, I was brought back to a lesson I first heard while studying Ayurveda. In that tradition, we’re encouraged to establish rhythm and structure in daily life—not for the sake of discipline, but because it supports healing.

I was fortunate to study with Dr. Claudia Welch and Dr. Vasant Lad, both of whom spoke often about treating even the smallest routines as rituals. Brushing your teeth. Making the bed. Pouring a cup of tea. Each becomes an opportunity to show up with reverence, appreciation, and devotion.

A ritual, in its simplest form, is a sincere action—or series of actions—performed with care and intention. So what invites that experience of divine grace into what we do?

Start with Awareness

Be present. Pay attention. Observe. Move with interest and intention. This is the ground from which ritual can rise.

Then Add Devotion

Invite in the sacred (however you name it). Spirit. Grace. Higher Self. One common example is blessing our food before we eat. The action is ordinary; the intention is not.

In the Tantric tradition, there’s the understanding that the divine already exists in all material things and actions. When we acknowledge that, even subtly, our capacity to receive grace expands.

Practice

Choose one or two daily habits—something simple—and infuse them with presence and care. Stick with it for 40 days and just notice what shifts.

If you already approach life this way, consider where else you might apply it: how you make decisions, how you prepare for a new season or stage of life, or how you respond in moments of transition. 

When even the thought process becomes a space for devotion, it’s possible for clarity and resolution to arise with more ease.

That, to me, is invaluable.

Explore the Sacred in Daily Life

At Tejas Yoga, we offer practices that help root this way of being, on and off the mat. Through breath, movement, and study, we remember what it means to move with meaning.

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Let your practice begin wherever you are. Ritual starts with showing up.