Graceful Endings

The only thing certain in our lives is change. We know this, but often we resist. Some changes are welcomed, while others we avoid and fear. It is hard to live with uncertainty. 

In my experience, several things can help make change - both welcome and unwelcome change - a bit easier. One is talking about our experiences with others, another is experiencing change together with trusted friends and family, and yet another is creating rituals and practices that help us to process and fully integrate our change experiences. It is this last component that we will be working with in this special autumn day retreat at magical Mavens' Haven.

Change always represents a liminal, or in-between, moment that is between a "before" and an "after." This retreat will focus on the after, encouraging graceful endings and lettings go. Graceful endings are those that allow space for all the feelings, and time to reflect and digest the reality of transformation. Graceful endings honor our change experiences and celebrate transformation. Toward this end, we will reflect upon what it means to honor and celebrate endings, taking inspiration from the Autumn example of the land, river, plants, animals, and sky.  

Each ending is also a beginning, part of Life's cyclical rhythm. 

Our day together will include discussion on loss, change, and cycles; soothing stories from the cauldron of myth and folktale; meditation and journaling exercises; time outside; the sharing of small rituals which help to give form to the inexpressible; and supported time spent creating our own plans and rituals to work with our lettings-go in graceful ways. We will also share two comforting and healthful fall meals along the way.