Celebrations of Life

Everyone has a different way of thinking with cultural events and celebrations. I used to love traipsing around with friends in Boston enjoying trick or treating. They were fun times while we meandered around the neighbour’s homes looking for some treats or a glass of wine. There were Easters that I spent with friends and celebrations that were made that were even more poignant with the realisation I was having a white Christmas in the United States.

A fun celebration happened one year when I spent Christmas day in San Francisco, we were invited to a yacht club that welcomed us with open arms. This was a place where all sailors from many parts of the world came together to enjoy a day of bonding and festivities. It was not a religious experience but one of welcoming and contentment. We helped set up the room for the feast while meeting people around us from a vast array of cultures. To bring a group of people together whom did not know each other previously was a magical experience. I have been to weddings of different faiths, witnessed christenings and attended mass. I was the only one that did not get up to receive the blessing at the time as I was not a religious person. I held my head high as every single person filed past me. I was embracing a religious service that was foreign to me.

This was all part of my journey of learning about faith, healings and a new way of being. I still was oblivious to my calling then of being a healer as I was there in my bubble staring out at a religious facade of people that had no concern for me. That was not a bad thing as people learn in many ways. Buddhism is a faith that is a surprising and wonderful way of thinking. Every faith has something positive that we can bring out for each other. Every faith and celebration have a calling that can be an influence on those around whom don’t believe. You never know what you will learn from a cultural celebration if you hold no judgement and expectations in your mind.

Being a part of modernisation has helped me understand that no matter whom you are, you are part of civilisation that can hold no fear. Be yourself in your belief system, not what people want you to be. It is not just religion that has celebrations of life. Giving birth, starting a new way of thinking, giving up on a turbulent relationship and having a new-found way of respect in a relationship are celebrations of life.  There are many callings and ways of life that have a celebration that is not recognised. Many cultures where women are allowed to drive vehicles, have their own views, not being afraid to show their own skin and not being prosecuted for it. That is a celebration of thinking, hospitality and way forward for celebrations for all to embrace.

Jacqui Ray
www.growthhealing.com.au


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