The importance of religious ceremonies

The importance of religious ceremonies. 

A ceremony at a time of change is ancient wisdom. We ignore that wisdom at our peril.  A ceremony allows for healing to begin as we share stories of a loved one’s life.  Through a ceremony we can reflect on the impact our loved one had on us and others. Here are four ways that ceremonies support us on our life journey.  Presence: one of the most important acts one can do for someone grieving is simply be there.  A ceremony allows us to be together to listen, to share, to cry or to simply provide a hug.  When we make the effort to come to the gathering of Community… It helps us remember that we do not have to go through grief alone.  A ceremony creates an opportunity for people to come together and support one another at one of their most needed times.  Tradition…connects the past to the present. Ceremonies have occurred throughout the ages, whether it be at birth, baptism, marriage or death.  Ceremonial gatherings help us come to terms with the reality of the loss of our loved one.  Remembering and sharing stories about our loved one gives us a chance to reflect on the relationship we had with them.  Through ceremony we learn how to adapt to a world that has been changed by our loss.