I am curious: any difference to you? Hmmm, the question may well be splitting hairs in a world with much bigger topics. Yet this idea is very close to my core. I assist my clients in creating and leading one-of-a-kind, never seen before or to be seen again ceremonies. So my services are beyond personalized, but what is just the right descriptor?

This week I tried the nifty ‘Question’ feature on my Sweetgrass Facebook page. I asked what the phrase ‘personalized ceremony’ means to friends. I was hoping they’d help me dig a little deeper. (And I’ve now found my favorite FB feature!) So far I’ve heard back with an honest and fabulous range of thoughts:

“For me, words are not enough to make something personalized. Honestly, I don’t find that human vocabulary can truly bring something to the realm of touching or personal. I find that seeing the emotions/faces/gestures of my close friends and family truly make any experience personal.” ~ Ashley

“My (our) story, beliefs, values, culture and aspirations are reflected throughout the whole ceremony.” ~ Monica

“Created with heart – with and for me – with understanding of my story.” ~ So far, this captures the winning number of votes!

I find this pleasantly revealing, because I’ve been leaning toward the phrase ‘heart-crafted’ to describe my ceremonies more clearly. Why? Well, personalized makes me cringe a wee bit. I’ve employed it before and not felt quite right with it. The ceremonies I co-create with people are more than personalized, more than custom-tailored; more than these familiar adjectives, because my ceremonies genuinely arise from my heart. Whether a Baby Blessing, Wedding or Memorial – it is a real, relevant and meaningful experience for my clients and their guests.

The way I imagine, compose and lead a ceremony reflects my lifetime of curiosity, observations, reading, listening and emotional learning . . .all of which somehow mixes in a magical alchemy with the stories of the unique people I serve.

So for now at least, I’ll be heart-crafting ceremonies in the Old Pueblo.

Always in Gratitude,

Kristine

Somehow today, this poetry reading by Mary Oliver just stopped me in my tracks. Her poem is “Mornings at Blackwater”. I am always tracking down resources for readings to include in my handcrafted ceremonies. I love a gem like this one. Give yourself the gift of taking a moment and watching it/listening to her read:

“So come to the pond,

or the river of your imagination,

or the harbor of your longing,

and put your lips to the world,

And live your life.”

The way she reads this last line is what gave me pause. Gulp.

Am I?

Are you?

Always with Love,

Kristine

We have a great opportunity to learn about family-led home funerals and natural burial from Beth Knox, founder of Crossings: Caring for Our Own at Death. She will be coming to Arizona for a workshop in Prescott, focusing upon:

• How a home vigil can bring meaning, dignity, and healing at the time of a loved one’s passing
• Legal rights and responsibilities at the time of death
• How to wash, prepare, and “lay out” the body for up to a 3-day vigil at home
• How to work with a funeral director to get only the services you need
• How to transport the body to a gravesite or crematorium
• “Green” burial options
• Integrating home funeral care with your religious or spiritual beliefs

Here is a short video that introduces you to Beth and tells one couple’s story about a home funeral experience:

Home Funeral Story with Beth Knox

You can download the workshop registration form from the Crossings site and send your information to the coordinator as listed.

Let me know if you are interested as I will be attending and would like to organize a carpool. Thanks!

Kristine