Traditions – let’s cherish them with love and flexibility. Tradition has something extremely soothing about it. It provides a sense of security, connects the past to the present and allows us to feel a bond with those who are no longer with us. However, after the loss of a loved one, sometimes change is needed – though it’s not easy. Changing traditions can remind us of another loss, so it can sometimes be difficult to accept. Many of us try to keep everything the way it was, so as not to lose our ties to the past. But does this help? Often the opposite is true – the absence of a loved one becomes even more noticeable. Therefore, it’s worth asking yourself and your loved ones the question:
“How can we nurture tradition while allowing it to change?” There is no single answer – each family will find its own way. However, it is worth considering what is really behind our rituals. Is it community? A sense of generosity? Remembrance of loved ones? Spirituality? Discovering the true value of tradition can help us find the flexibility to preserve what is most important, while opening ourselves up to novelty. Remember – the most important thing is not what is changing, but why we are making these changes. It is our intention that gives meaning to any tradition.
