Births, anniversaries, graduations, new jobs, retirements, weddings, funerals, children leaving home, moving...all these changes and more are happening to us and around us all the time. We do have rituals to support or celebrate some of these transitions. But sometimes the standard rituals don't meet our needs, and sometimes even Hallmark has not considered the occasion.
First, let's talk about ritual. A ritual, rite or ceremony is a symbolic activity designed to give meaning to important occasions in our lives. Everyone participates in rituals, from lighting birthday candles and making a wish when we blow them out to having a shower for a new baby or new bride. And of course there are the holiday rituals of July 4th fireworks, and Christmas lights to name a few. But what about celebrating spring?
Spring is a time when nature shows off. Life bursts forth in abundance. Here in the Bay area, the plum trees are flowering, daffodils, tulips, magnolias, lily's and a host of others release a riot of color and fragrance. Spring is the time of the equinox, when we come out of the darkness of winter, look to the possibilities ahead and find balance.
Now is a good time to plant seeds. Perhaps in your garden, but another type of ritual is to plant seeds for what you wish to develop in your life over the next months. Do a collage, make a commitment box to hold your intentions, light a candle each morning and focus on the intentions you plan to manifest. Or create a ceremony of your own.
Sydney Barbara Metrick, PhD
http://www.ChickenSoupCounseling.com
Author of:
The Art of Ritual: Creating and Performing Ceremonies for Growth and Change
I Do: A Guide to Creating Your Own Unique Wedding Ceremony
Crossing the Bridge: Creating Ceremonies for Grieving and Healing From Life's Losses
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