Endings and New Beginnings
Life is ever changing - a perpetual cycle of endings
followed closely by new beginnings. Endings are not inherently good
or bad - they just are. It's how we deal with the changes in our lives
that determines whether we can maximise the opportunity for new personal
growth and self awareness. Here are some ceremonies to inspire you!
Loss or Transition
A ceremony which is relevant to your experience of
loss
or transition, can
help you to put the issues into perspective and symbolically lay them
to rest. Only then will you find the energy and motivation to enter
into your new beginning with positivity and joy.
Separation
and Divorce
This can be a very difficult experience and can leave
deep emotional scars. An acknowledgement of the hurt and anger in a
symbolic way can be a significant step towards healing and can be empowering.
Change of Name
Changing your
name in a ceremony can assist in coming
to terms with the past and stepping into a bright new future.
Family
Blending
The challenge of blending
new families as part
of a new beginning is often a difficult one. A highly personalised ceremony
acknowledges the new family and welcomes each member as an individual
with their own unique potential for contributing in a happy and positive
way to the new family. Children who are part of newly blended families
need to know that they are loved and precious and important to all the
new people in their lives - step parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts
and uncles, cousins, friends. A ceremony which celebrates the new beginning
can help children and adults to adjust to different arrangements and
expectations.
Retirement
Retirement from paid work is often eagerly anticipated
but can occur before a person is really ready. Feelings about retirement
can vary from relief to uncertainty. It is important for the retiree
to acknowledge the losses, to identify the feelings surrounding retirement
and be empowered to fully enjoy the leisure and freedom. In a ceremony,
retirees can ask for support from their family and friends as they adjust
to their new life and can share their dreams of continuing to contribute
to the family and their community in positive ways.
