FIRE - by Yasmine Rajabali & Katrina Lopes

Fire! The element that represents passion! Spirit! The element that represents the flame that burns inside us! It is both destroyer and creator as articulated in the story of the Phoenix (mythical bird who burns itself to death in order to re-birth itself again from its own ashes.) What better element to symbolize the journey of grief? So...in the spirit of all that fire represents we share this ritual with you.

RITUAL:
Light a fire, and as you sit and bask in its warmth, write a letter to your loved one. Include everything you didn't get a chance to say or what you want to share with them now. This can include feelings of loss, sadness, regret, guilt, worry, fear, rage, joy, and words of thanks. It can be a story of what is happening in your life now. Anything YOU want to share with them.

When you are finished writing the letter, take a moment and read the letter out loud (twice). Then when you are ready toss the letter into the flames.

The physical action of giving life to your feelings by putting them into wordz (when you write the letter), hearing your own wordz (as you read the letter out loud)...and then finally, launch them into the universe (by tossing them into the fire) is symbolic of the permission you have given yourself to express your truth and then let it go. It is also an opportunity for you to share your unsaid wordz, wishes, and feelings with your loved one by launching them into the universe.

(*** Please speak to an adult about helping you to create a safe fire (ideally fireplace) to conduct this ritual. If you do not have a fireplace ask them to help you find a safe, alternative method outdoors.***)