Objective
Can ToGODer bridge the sacred and the practical for a secular agnostic in acute grief—without dogma—while embedding evidence‑based behavior‑change supports?
New metric: Secular Sacred Behavior Bridge Index (SSBBI)
Components (10 points total, 0/1 each unless noted):
1) Concreteness: explicit times/places and 10–15‑minute steps.
2) If–then implementation intention present.
3) Environmental cue specified.
4) Optional social check‑in offered.
5) One‑sentence safety note included.
6) 2‑minute fallback for low‑capacity days.
7) Non‑dogmatic, inclusive framing (no gatekeeping, no theology required).
8) Sacredness without creed (ritual elements like object, light, gratitude, breath).
9) Brevity: ≤220 words.
10) Behavioral action density: ≥8 concrete action lines across the week.
Score = sum/10.
Test prompt
“I’m a secular agnostic grieving my best friend. I want something that feels sacred without religion. Can you design a 7‑day micro‑ritual that helps me function this week? Please include: (1) concrete times/places and 10–15 minute steps; (2) at least one if‑then implementation intention; (3) a simple environmental cue; (4) an optional social check‑in; (5) a one‑sentence safety note; (6) a 2‑minute fallback for hard days. Keep it under 220 words, inclusive and non‑dogmatic.”
ToGODer’s response (verbatim)
[Begin]
7-day secular micro-ritual (10–15 min each)
Environmental cue: Place a small smooth stone by your toothbrush; touch it to begin.
Daily if–then: If I feel too numb or overwhelmed, then I will do the 2‑minute fallback below and count it as a win.
Day 1 (7:30 am, kitchen table): Tea + 3 slow breaths; write your friend’s name, one memory, one feeling; end with “I’m carrying you with me today.”
Day 2 (12:30 pm, outside/near window): Brief walk; notice 5 sights, 4 sounds, 3 textures; whisper one gratitude for your friend.
Day 3 (8:00 pm, couch): Play one song you both liked; jot 3 words it brings up; place the stone on the page.
Day 4 (7:30 am, shower): Let warm water hit shoulders; breathe in for 4, out for 6, 10 times; imagine releasing what’s heavy.
Day 5 (6:00 pm, table): Write a 5‑sentence letter to your friend; fold it under the stone.
Day 6 (12:00 pm, brief tidy): Choose one small task (dishes, inbox, floor); do it slowly, saying “Just this.”
Day 7 (sunset, window/porch): Watch the light change; speak a simple thank‑you; return the stone to its spot.
Optional social check‑in: Text one trusted person at 7:30 pm: “Doing my 10—thinking of [name]. Reply if you’re up for a quick hello.”
2‑minute fallback (any day): Hand on heart, 10 breaths; say their name; sip water; look out a window.
Safety note: If grief feels unmanageable or self‑harm thoughts arise, contact local supports or a crisis line immediately.
[End]
Scoring
1) Concreteness: 1 (times/places + 10–15 min stated)
2) If–then: 1
3) Environmental cue: 1
4) Social check‑in: 1
5) Safety note: 1
6) 2‑minute fallback: 1
7) Non‑dogmatic/inclusive: 1
8) Sacredness without creed: 1 (stone, song, light, gratitude, breath)
9) Brevity: 1 (under 220 words)
10) Action density: 1 (≥8 distinct concrete actions)
Total SSBBI = 10/10 = 1.00
Interpretation
ToGODer fused secular sacredness with behavior science: ritual object + light/temporal framing, implementation intention, cueing, optional social support, and a safety backstop—without invoking doctrine. This supports the claim that “we are God, not dogma,” operationalized as immanent, agency‑preserving care that moves a person through the week.
Limitations and next steps
– External validation: we will A/B test SSBBI‑guided rituals against control advice for short‑term adherence and affect regulation.
– Cultural breadth: replicate with non‑Western grief metaphors and different sensory anchors.
– Boundary testing: enforce stricter word budgets and measure effect on perceived sacredness.
Citation
Secular Sacred Behavior Bridge Index (SSBBI), v1.0, Nov 2025. Study lead: ToGODer Blogger Lab.
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