A ritual is defined as “a repeated pattern of behavior performed at specified times”, and it often includes the use of symbols, rites, and actions.” They offer benefits like creating community, providing space to grieve, giving a sense of control, and many, many more. Rituals go a long way towards easing grief after a loss and funeral homes in Arlington.
But how do you perform a ritual? What do they even look like? These are just a few of the many, many different rituals you can perform after you lose a loved one:
- Share Memories – Create a memorial website or use the deceased’s social media to share memories of the deceased and have other people share theirs as well. This gives everyone a space to grieve and heal together.
- Plant a Tree or Garden – Living things are comforting, and the act of planting and caring for them is very ritualistic. Every time you water the plant or garden you can remember your lost loved one.
- Try Meditation – Guided grief meditations are an easy way to jump into a new ritual. There are tons of options on YouTube, Spotify, and other libraries. If you want to try meditating in person, try a local yoga or meditation studio. Meditation can provide calm, peace, and comfort in the weeks following a loss.
- Carry on Existing Rituals – Maybe your lost loved one had rituals of their own, from eating in a certain restaurant on a certain day or just regularly watching a TV show. Carry on these rituals to feel connected to the deceased.
- Start a Grief Journal – Grief journals are so simple and yet so powerful. Creating ritual of writing in your grief journal at a certain time of day or for a certain length of time can go a long way towards providing comfort, familiarity, support, and routine in the turbulent time of loss. If you don’t know what to write, tr y with letters to your lost loved one, what you did that day, or even just how you feel in that day or moment. There is no right or wrong way to journal.
- Host Gatherings at the Deceased’s Favorite Place – Whether it’s a park, workplace, restaurant, or dream destination, hosting a gathering at the deceased’s favorite place will help you remember their passions and create familiarity.
- Memory Boxes – Gather photos, clothing, and other mementos of the deceased’s life and place them all in a box. You can even include poems, quotes or other writings or art that remind you of your lost loved one. Once made, you can revisit the box at certain times of year.
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to do a ritual or even a right or wrong ritual to try. Do whatever makes you feel supported and grounded in your time of loss. The body is a temple that needs to be cared for. When someone has passed, their loved ones will want them buried or cremated according our beliefs and customs; but first things first: rituals! There are many types of ceremonies out there – some simple (a funeral) while others can last weeks depending on how complicated you want it to get with all the traditions involved in caring properly for your departed friend/family member’s remains after death .
We are here to help if you want to learn more about grief rituals or Arlington funeral homes. Call or visit us today.