Page 12 - May 2023 News On 7

"HONORING THE DEPARTED: WHY CEREMONY IS VITAL FOR GRIEF" BY TRACY B. RICHARDS

Have you ever thought about your own funeral? It's not a topic that we typically discuss at the dinner table or with friends,
but it's an important conversation to have. I recently attended a funeral pre-planning workshop hosted by Arbor Memorial,
and it was eye-opening. The three hours flew by as we learned about everything from burial options to music selections.

I found myself taking copious notes and asking questions that had never occurred to me before. By the end of the
workshop, I felt more confident in my ability to make informed decisions about my final arrangements. But beyond just the
practical aspects of funeral planning, attending this workshop also emphasized something much more important - the
significance of having some kind of ceremony for loved ones who have passed away.

As someone who works as a Life Celebrant, I have seen firsthand how difficult it can be for families who are navigating their
way through grief. That's why attending this workshop was so beneficial to me. Not only did it teach me more about the
funeral planning process and how I can better prepare myself for when my own time comes, it also renewed my perspective
on how some form of ritual can impact the process of grieving amidst difficult circumstances.

That's why I wanted to take some time to share some key takeaways in this short article. Whether you're just starting to
think about your own funeral arrangements or are supporting someone through their grief journey, there's always
something new to learn and consider. So let's dive in together and explore what makes a meaningful farewell ceremony...
Losing a loved one can be one of life's most difficult experiences, but the journey through grief doesn't have to be done
alone.

Dr. Alan Wolfeldt, a respected grief counselor, has identified six needs of mourning that can help us find healing and
meaning after a loss. One of these needs is having a funeral or ceremony to honor and remember the deceased. In this fast-
paced society some families are foregoing traditional funeral rituals for cremation or no service at all. But this choice can
hinder the grieving process by depriving people of an opportunity to express their emotions and say goodbye properly.

Planning a meaningful ceremony can play a crucial role in coping with grief as it allows friends and family members to come
together to offer comfort, share memories, and pay tribute to the deceased. It not only creates closure but also gives us
something positive to do during a time when we feel powerless. Choosing photographs or other mementos to share at the
ceremony is therapeutic as it provides an outlet for creativity and offers opportunities for reflection on happy memories
shared with our departed loved ones. Similarly, writing an obituary or eulogy helps process emotions by memorializing their
life accomplishments. If planning a meaningful ceremony seems overwhelming, then you might want to consider working
with a funeral celebrant. While some people take solace in their religious associations, others may lack access to such
support systems.

For those who are not closely affiliated with any faith group, choosing to work with a celebrant can be very beneficial.
Celebrants work closely with families to create personalized ceremonies that reflect the personality and values of the
deceased. A celebrant will listen carefully to your stories about your loved one's life and help you craft a ceremony that
honors their memory in a unique and meaningful way. Whatever your preferences, creating a personalized ceremony can
help bring comfort and closure during this difficult time. It's important to remember that while it may be tempting to skip
traditional ceremonies, doing so could impede the grieving process.

Instead, planning an event that reflects your loved one's personality and values can provide a much-needed outlet for
coping with grief while celebrating their life. Attending a funeral pre-planning workshop, like the one mentioned in this
article, can help you make informed decisions about your final arrangements and emphasize the importance of having some
kind of ceremony for loved ones who have passed away. By fulfilling the need for mourning through a personalized
ceremony, we can find healing and meaning after a loss. Thanks for reading!

Subscribe to my Substack page at tracybrichards.substack.com to stay updated on my content, including Articles, Devotionals,
Process of Illumination Blog & Practical Ministry Podcast. There, you'll find engaging articles and conversations that will
inspire and empower you. If you need a licensed wedding of iciant, marriage coach, or funeral celebrant check out what I offer
at xolifecelebrations.com