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Leaving the Nest Ceremonies
We toast to new things and to glorious change.
To change ourselves and to change our world.
To know the need for it.
To deal with the pain of it.
To feel the joy of it.
To undertake the journey without understanding the destination.
The art of gentle revolution.
—Michael Leunig
When it is time to find a first apartment with friends, go off to college or boarding school, or take a job far away, you and your family will go through a process of balancing your growing independence while acknowledging that times are changing. It can be hard to let go and say good bye, but a ceremony can help everyone make the transition gracefully.
Make a meal for your parents, tell them your hopes for the future and ask them to share their experiences of leaving home for the first time. Sort out things in your room to bestow on younger siblings as prizes, or to give to a local charity. Create a ceremony to talk about what these things symbolize to you, and why you are ready to let them go. Express your gratitude for your parents’ support and love.
Parents, give your child a token of your love, and share what you admire in him or her and why you know they will do great in their new adventures. Offer some tools or wishes in a wishbox for them to take to the new place. Tell stories of ways you have seen your young adult grow and become more confident. Thank them for being a part of your lives.
Visit the new space and create a ceremony to prepare it for moving in. Bring flowers and symbols of home, maybe some family photos. Thank your parents, kiss them good bye and then do something special for yourself to honor your passage. Welcome.
info@meaningfulcelebrations.com © 2006 Cindy Matchett