Elwin Loomis

Celebrations are not only important they are necessary


This week, at work, we crossed a milestone, a couple years in the making. To me this was a company ‘rite of passage’.

This got me thinking about the celebration of rites of passage.

I have never been good at celebrating, personally I missed my graduation(s), never went to prom, didn’t even have a wedding (though, we have been together 24 yrs, married over 16).

Through my daughter I’ve learned, that as humans, It is vitally important for us to celebrate rites of passage.

These ceremonies are powerful. Not only for the individual or event being honored but for everyone participating, the community.

These
  • provide a demarcation of renewal marking a new phase. Permission to cast off old patterns, start anew.
  • connect us with our community, tightening the bond, both past (who went before us) and present.
  • create a sacred space for gratitude.

My rebelliousness, and constant build towards the future, caused me to actively eschew traditional rites of passage (I’m still more anxious than cheerful attending one )

This might be totally obvious, but for any younger me's out there.

Respecting/understanding/honoring the power of these times is not only an important gift for yourself, but possibly more so for the others around you. (teams, company, community, family etc)

Original Linkedin post: https://bit.ly/379SNX7