http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/29/fashion/weddings/leaving-a-spouse-behind-for-good.html
Guest Blog AMANet.org – One Good Joke Can Save Your Business
Check out our new guest blog post on AMAShift here
http://www.amanet.org/shift/index.php/2011/12/02/one-good-joke-can-save-your-business/
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Unforgettable Wedding Advice
Congratulations to all the same-sex couples who can now legally marry in NY! Read the Article on Gov. Cuomo
There is a spiritual saying that states, “From every human being there rises a light that reaches straight to heaven. And when two souls that are destined to be together find each other, their streams of light flow together, and a single brighter light goes forth from their union.”
When a couple comes to me to be married, I feel honored to be the midwife for their sacred passage. I believe that the marriage ceremony should be a transformative ritual that is a reflection of the individual love story of each couple.
As a society we have entered into a new era of defining relationships. As an Interfaith Minister, I am finding that more and more couples are seeking new ways to make not only their vows, but the whole marriage ritual more relevant to their circumstances and expectations. In my practice I encourage couples to actively participate in the design of their ceremony by including language and symbols that are personally meaningful to both partners, thereby creating a deeper dimension of sacredness. In this way we can weave traditional forms with new traditions.
Here are some tips to make sure your ceremony is unforgettable…
Vows
Take the time to write vows from your heart. The length is less important than the intention. Forget about memorizing them. Write them down and give yourself the option of reading them at the ceremony. And you can keep them to read on your anniversary.
Rings
This is a symbol of the unbroken circle, the never-ending bond between partners. The ancients believed that a vein ran from the 4th finger directly to the heart. Ancient roman brides wore rings on their thumbs, while Puritan couples did not wear any rings because they were considered frivolous. Marriage thimbles were given to couples in colonial times because they were useful. After the wedding the bottoms were cut out to create a ring. A Jewish wedding must contain something valuable, so a ring is generally used.
Including Family and Friends
This is a great way to acknowledge that each wedding is a celebration of the joining of families (including extended family or friends) who have come to witness and bless this union. This can include candle ceremonies, readings and blessings just to name a few.
Witnesses
In NY, 2 witnesses are needed (check your state for their requirements). The act of the community holding witness is an important part of the marriage ritual. By bearing witness the onlookers welcome the couple into the community.
Readings and Songs
Many couples choose to incorporate sacred poetry from Rumi, Kahil Gibran, Ranier Maria Rilke, or the love ballads of their favorite singer. In a Catholic wedding, The Lord’s Prayer is usually read.
Wine
In many different spiritual traditions, the bride and groom drink together from a single cup during the ceremony. In a Jewish wedding the parents of the couple offer them the wine, while a Shinto ceremony includes a sake-sharing. Even plain water is used in some ceremonies signifying that even plain water can be sweet when love is present.
Spices
This is an African tradition where 4 or more spices are placed on the altar representing the different aspects of life. In some cases the bride and groom feed each other the spices.
Breaking of the Bread
Used in many traditions including Greek weddings: this comes from an ancient tradition that means you will never go hungry and will be forever sustained by the love in this wedding
Did you know?
Something old: represents the ancestors
Something new: represents the new union you are creating
Something borrowed: comes from an ancient fertility ritual where the bride would borrow something from the most fertile woman in her village to ensure she had many children- today this can also symbolize fertility of ideas and creative expression.
Something Blue: represents the Feminine Face of God
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Celebrating Your Life
“True celebration arises from a joy that is first experienced deep within, and spills over into an overflow of song and dance and laughter, and yes, even tears of gratitude&dont bother about scheduling a party on your calendar. Let your hair down, take your shoes off, and start splashing in the puddles right now. The party is happening all around you every moment
– Osho Zen Tarot Gathering Memories
All winter I was struggling with a way to celebrate my mothers 90th birthday. I wanted to give her a big party. She wasnt interested. Ok, how about a trip? She wasnt up to it. Presents? What could I possibly give her that she didnt already have? Finally, I let go of what I wanted and focused on just celebrating her life. [Read more...]
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The Deeper Meaning of Life
Life: The Force That Makes or Keeps Something Alive; The Vivifying or Quickening Principle
We all yearn to know the deeper meaning of life. We all want something beyond what we know. We all want a connection with spirit&with the heart of the universe.
As I pondered what to write about” the deeper meaning of life,” I realized that I was trying to figure it out with my mind. I kept staring at the blank screen on my computer and couldn’t seem to come up with anything worth writing. When I over analyze and rack my brain to get answers I seldom find what I am searching for. So where lies the answers or should I ask what is the question? [Read more...]
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Oneness: We Are All Together–SoulfulLiving.com
Mindfulness: Living in the Now
When we are paying attention to what is, rather than what we would like it to be, we are truly living in the present. This is easier said than done. I have found this to be a lifelong journey of accepting current reality without having it squash my naturally optimistic personality. [Read more...]
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Change
Trust your ability to handle change.
While writing this article, it seems as if everything in my life is undergoing rapid change. To say that things have changed in the past year is a major understatement.
THE CHALLENGE
Time is speeding up and we can’t help but encounter fast-paced change on a daily basis. The old and predicable is gone and we have no new map to follow without the tools to help us create one, we often move through life without having any idea of who we are or who we are growing into. We are like a child on his or her first day at school…feeling vulnerable and scared. [Read more...]
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Courage
At the end of April I walked on 1200 degree hot coals. I was participating in a Fire Walk in Vermont with 20 other people. When I shared my experience with people, many of them said, “You are so brave, what courage that must have taken.” Yet, to me, it was not about being courageous, rather it was about being so connected to Spirit that I could go beyond my old limiting concepts and move into an expanded state of being. [Read more...]
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Mindfulness: Living in the Now–SoulfulLiving.com
When we are paying attention to what is, rather than what we would like it to be, we are truly living in the present. This is easier said than done. I have found this to be a lifelong journey of accepting current reality without having it squash my naturally optimistic personality.
If we can accept people and situations for whom and what they are in the moment, we have a clearer guidance system for moving forward and for making conscious choices. [Read more...]