Last week on our Heart of Being Human call, we acknowledged the heaviness so many are carrying — and then something unexpected opened. Stories of returning birds, a snowy owl on a foggy highway, and a poem by Rosemerry Wahtola Trommer reminded us that alongside grief and pain, there is also awe and astonishment. Here is also the news.

Change sits at the heart of being human. We cross thresholds constantly, often without clear instructions for how to do it well. This reflection explores love, loss, presence, and what becomes possible when we choose to stay open in times of profound change.

The holidays can be a tender time for anyone carrying grief, whether through the loss of a loved one or the quieter aches of life’s changes. In this reflection, I explore why the season can feel especially heavy and how to find a middle way that gently holds both sorrow and light. You’ll find simple, compassionate guidance for supporting others, caring for your own heart, and creating meaningful rituals that honour whatever you’re carrying this year.

Coming together in ceremony can transform how we experience grief, hope, and community. Whether large or small, these gatherings offer a space to reflect, share, and feel connected.

In my work as a celebrant, I’ve witnessed ceremonies where families honour life’s fragility, engage in shared rituals, and celebrate moments of joy and remembrance. Even simple acts, like blowing bubbles on the grass, can leave a lasting sense of connection.

Take a moment to imagine what a meaningful ceremony could look like in your own community.

This baby blessing ceremony honouring Franki’s transition from infancy to toddlerhood was simple, intimate and deeply intentional. Read to learn about how it connected everyone present — across generations, spiritual beliefs, time and space - in a meaningful way.