Every ceremony has a story
At the heart of each ceremony is a story unique to those who have gathered together. Storytelling connects us in a way that nothing else does; it opens us up and invites others to experience a part of our world. We hope you can find solace and inspiration in reading how others have used ceremony to help them celebrate, heal, and honour life’s moments and milestones.
Here are some stories from people in our community who believe ceremony has the power to change lives. Browse the different topics and categories to find ceremonies that resonate most with you.
Making Ceremony Personal – For You and Your Family
In our busy lives, with children in particular, it can feel hard to hold ceremony in the light and make it a priority. I have a very fluid idea of what ceremony is, and while collectively it may not be daily, we create acts that serve as touchstones for us to come back to as a family.
Ceremony and the Artist
Ceremony, for me, is just a means of reaching a place where you’re present; when all of a sudden nothing else matters except what you’re doing. Your body reacts – you’re breathing deeply and fully, and you’re relaxed. It’s about being reminded of your humanity.
Sisterhood of the travelling talisman – Part 1
Ceremony is ingrained in the Jewish faith, and Judaism is rife with symbolism. When someone dies, a community comes together to mourn, both publicly and privately, and there are rituals they follow. Growing up, I was exposed to ceremony through this lens, yet my version of ceremony didn’t come into my life until I had to make the most difficult decision of my life.
The Story of Wills
October 25th was the day we lost Wills. It’s been five years and I can still feel that devastation. Each year, I try to honour him. It doesn’t have to be big, in fact I’ve learned that me sleeping with his bunny, or lighting a candle, or going for a walk in the forest is actually my way of honouring him. That’s ceremony.
Photography and stillbirth
Ceremony for me is being aware – stopping and making time for things that matter, especially grief. Like with anything, when you start doing it, it becomes part of your natural rhythm. It’s not work – I see ceremony as a daily practice and it can help you move through grief.
Coming of age in community
Imagine if there was a special day where we honoured and recognized female-identified youth as they take their first steps toward adulthood. As an adolescent girl, I craved some form of recognition or welcoming so badly. I had this longing to be initiated – to be taught, seen, and celebrated.