The first few weeks after we lose a loved one is often filled with calls and visits from concerned friends and family. Neighbours pop in or stop you in the street to ask how you are doing. You feel a level of support. Knowing how to support a grieving friend is not always obvious. Three …
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The death and funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II has created a sense of national loss and grief. For many, who have lost loved ones during the past few years, their own pain has returned. Living with grief is a new burden that so many leared cruely and suddenly during the recent pandemic. The …
‘What is a Celebrant, exactly?’ The question I am most often asked when I meet people and tell them what I do. Many people have never heard of a Celebrant or have a limited understanding of what we do. I’m always happy to tell them; I love being an Independent Celebrant. Like many of us, …
Talking about our inevitable death and our wishes after the event, is not usually included in light conversation for date night. Despite us all knowing that we will die, many of us never let our loved ones know what we hope for at the end of our life. As a Celebrant, I often have detailed …
I visited a client recently who asked me to help them plan a remembrance service for their partner who had died, because there had been no funeral. The partner had expressed in his Will that he wanted his body cremated with no fuss and no service. No doubt, he thought this was sparing his loved …
There are so many beautiful poems for a life celebration. Some will lift everyone up and make them smile with fond memories. Others will reduce you all to tears as they remind you of your loss. Knowing which poems to include as you plan a life celebration can set the tone for the entire ceremony. …
Funerals and Life Celebrations are not the same thing. You may hear Celebrants and Funeral Directors referring to them as though they were. However, it is important to understand that a Life Celebration is bespoke, has no set format or timing and can be carried out anywhere. As a Celebrant, I often take a non-religious …
A funeral or life celebration service can be a very supportive thing when a family has lost a loved one. Once everyone has left, though, it can be a challenging time. Some ideas to include in the celebration that can provide long term support are a good idea. Here are a few I have created …
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An ancient relationship that is flourishing again Since before the Ancient Egyptians, before the Celts and their Tree of Life, trees were embraced by tribes, peoples and religions around the world as a central part of their ceremonies. In the last decade there has been a revival of interest in woodland and forest ceremonies in …
