Remembering Those Who Have Passed On
As Dia Dos Muertos approaches many turn their minds to thoughts of loved ones that they have lost through the years. Many people take flowers, gifts, or remembrances to the graves of their loved ones to help memorialize them and let them know that we still care and think about them. This practice is one full of humanity and has been an important part of our rituals as humankind. What do we get out of memorials?
As humans we make connections to the world we live in and especially to the people in it. They can be our family, our community, and our society. In order to thrive in this life, we, as social creatures, depend on and cooperate with each other. Having memorials brings us peace and joy in knowing that we are remembering those people that were important parts of our lives. These memorials can also be key in our healing and growing throughout our lives. We are able to celebrate and appreciate what others meant to us, the things they taught us, and the experiences we had with them, whether good or bad.
This concept can be applied to many other parts of our lives, not just in losing someone special to us. Have you ever had a dream or goal that did not work out or failed completely? Memorialize it. Far too often we push thoughts about our failings or disappointments away, when actually holding those feelings for a bit and having a memorial ceremony for them would help us to accept and grow.
Nothing is too trivial. Are you sad that the cake you just bought slid and fell on the floor of the car? Hold a brief ceremony for it. Talk about your disappointment. Your frustrations. Tears can be shed. You may even choose to laugh about the disappointing situation.
By giving time and space to memorialize events that happen in your life, your brain is better able to accept the present situation and to find peace in it. By holding these ceremonies, both private or shared, we properly grieve our expectations of things in our lives. We essentially lubricate the friction that naturally occurs and we are better able to move forward in a healthy manner.
Try it out! Next time you feel the pangs of disappointments regarding a situation, have a memorial ceremony for it. Your brain and body will thank you!
Want to discuss this topic further? Julie would love to chat about it with you during one of her brain or bodywork sessions with Posture Massage!
