Nurturing Ceremonies to Commemorate Loss 

       The ceremonies in this section involve the creation of a tribute to honor and acknowledge the time of transition when a loss occurs. The death of a beloved one, the ending of a relationship and the experience of leaving a place where one feels attached are times when the spirit needs a special kind of soothing. 
       Ceremony to Commemorate the Death of a Beloved One This ceremony is designed to be completed after time has passed and you are ready to honor the experience you shared with your beloved. This is accomplished through conscious acknowledgement of the gift you received as a result of sharing your life with this person as well as through rebuilding after their death. Your spirit will be soothed through the nurturing actions within this ceremony.
       Ceremony to Honor the End of a Relationship This ceremony allows a time of reflection and creates energy for moving forward from a significant relationship. Whether the ending is a formal one (such as a divorce) or an informal parting of the ways, this ceremony creates the intention to move forward with love and understanding. 
       In these ceremonies, care is taken to identify touch points or pivotal experiences that have enriched you and that were part of the attachment created. These moments are acknowledged with awareness and love, and the essence of the experience is built upon as you move forward in life.
       Loss is by far the most difficult of human experiences because we feel emotional attachment to people and places that we love. Instead of trying to become detached, I offer that we honor our attachments, acknowledge them, and learn from them. We are human beings, and attachment is part of our existence here on earth. These ceremonies are designed as a starting point to create your own rituals in which you honor those people and places within a routine that is as individual as you are.


Rebecca Burns © 2007