funerals, celebrations of Life & grief tending
“Honouring the love that carries you through”
The Vision:
Let's co-create a ceremony of remembrance that's as unique as the life we honour. Together, we'll craft an experience that reflects your loved one's dreams, inspirations, and values, celebrating the beauty of their journey and the depth of your connection.
With your loved ones surrounding you, we'll weave a tapestry of love and solace, setting the tone for a day filled with reverence and meaning.
The Process:
Our journey begins with a voyage of discovery into the depths of your hearts. I'll guide you with care as we explore what this farewell means for you and how your ceremony can express that. We will do this over a period of time that allows you to really connect with this process and for us to get to know each other.
The Potential:
Your ceremony is a canvas of infinite possibilities, reflecting the richness of a life well-lived. How do you want to celebrate their memory? What rituals or traditions are close to your hearts? Together, we'll explore how to make your farewell authentic and meaningful, whether through eulogies, rituals, or cherished memories.
The Value:
By honouring their memory with a personalised ceremony, you anchor your intention and strengthen your bond, beyond time & space your love will carry you through, whilst allowing all present to be with their grief. We will not shy away from all of the emotions that are present, this time of tenderness can bring great healing. This powerful experience will resonate with you and your guests, deepening your connection and aligning you with the transition that this time will bring to you all, life will never be the same, your loved one will not be physically present, but you will know they are there with you always.
The Beauty:
Your bespoke ceremony is a gift to your loved ones, offering them a glimpse into the magic of the life story. As they witness the beauty of this remembrance, they'll be inspired and blessed by the love that surrounds them.
MY SERVICES:
Initial Consultation
Let's meet to discuss your vision and ideas for the ceremony, whether in person or via Zoom, depending on location. Together, we'll create a ceremony that reflects the unique life of your loved one, incorporating any traditions or rituals that are meaningful to you and your family.
Preparation
I'll assist you in choosing poems, readings, and tributes that resonate with your hearts. You're also welcome to share your own stories and memories, and I'll be there to support you throughout the process. We will aim to have at least three meeting times together before the day. This allows you to connect with all that we are creating and gives you a chance to settle into the process during this c hallenging time. While there will be many details to arrange and organise, your ceremony doesn't have to be one of them, we will take this as healing time, time to connect, to grieve, to honour and to support you and the family. This process will create a connection, strengthening your resolve in what can be a time of deep sadness, grief and meetings to make arrangements. Our time together will serve as an anchor for you.
The Ceremony
On the day of the ceremony, I'll arrive early to prepare the ceremonial space and offer any support you may need. I will create a sacred atmosphere that honours the life of your loved one and the venue where the ceremony will take place, ensuring comfort for all present.
I will deliver the ceremony with heartfelt presence and intention, ensuring that every moment is filled with love and meaning.
Pricing
Ceremony prices start from £250, with travel expenses added depending on the location.
Grief Tending
In our fast-paced society, the emotion of grief is often overlooked or minimised, leaving many to navigate their pain in isolation. Unlike more visible emotions such as joy or anger, grief is a complex and deeply personal experience that can be difficult to articulate. It manifests in various forms, from sadness and anger to numbness and confusion, making it challenging for others to recognise or understand. Additionally, there is often societal pressure to "move on" quickly after a loss, which can discourage open expressions of sorrow and the necessary process of mourning. Without a designated space or opportunity to fully engage with grief, individuals may suppress their feelings, leading to prolonged emotional distress. A grief ceremony provides an essential outlet for this often-unrecognized emotion, allowing individuals to openly mourn, share their experiences, and receive the support they need to begin healing.
When Might a Ceremony of Grief Be Held?
Miscarriage
Abortion
Loss of a Child
Divorce or Separation
Loss of a Pet
Loss of a Job or Career
Loss of a Home
Personal Illness or Diagnosis
Collective Grief for the Earth
Natural Disasters or Community Tragedies
Loss of a Close Friend or Family Member
Significant Life Changes (e.g., Retirement, Empty Nest)
A grief ceremony can be profoundly supportive because it provides a structured and sacred space for individuals to express and process their emotions. In times of loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a significant relationship, or a major life transition, the pain and confusion can feel overwhelming. A grief ceremony allows people to come together in a shared experience, offering comfort and solidarity. It honours the significance of the loss, validates the grieving process, and helps individuals find meaning and closure. Through rituals, readings, and communal support, a grief ceremony can facilitate healing, promote emotional resilience, and create a sense of connection and understanding among those who are mourning. This communal acknowledgment of grief can be a crucial step in navigating the path towards acceptance and peace.
Grief ceremonies can also be a very personal journey, one that you take alone, with myself to walk alongside you and guide you in the process.
If you would like to discuss this further at any time, you may find your grief rising many years after the event itself, then please do reach out and connect with me.