Celebrating The Day of the Dead

November 1st - 2nd

In some traditions the spiritual world is not a remote place that we only have contact with after death. Instead, it is an alive and present realm, one that we have access to while here, in the physical. That's pretty darn cool.

The Day of the Dead is a festive time of joyful remembrance and celebration. Cultures around the world set aside this time to pay respect and remember friends and family members who have left this life (died). Celebrants remember funny things, good times, and the happy experiences they had with the deceased. It is believed that the dead can leave the spirit realm... and visit their loved ones in this one, the physical. On Day of the Dead, departed souls are remembered and are invited to return here for a short visit. And then, when it is time for the souls to return to Oneness, people once again acknowledge life's final party to which everyone gets an invitation.

In celebration of Day of the Dead I've acknowledged the lives and the return to Oneness of those who have touched my life. As I thought of them, I wrote their names on a board, informally. Within minutes I had written over 30 names. It was an amazing recollective experience. I sat in front of the board played music that suited the occasion, lit a candle and read each name...mindfully. I recalled who they ARE to me. I called forth the spark of their essence. I thanked them individually. I cried when spirit brought it up in the soul of me. I smiled when spirit brought that up in me as well. I remained in the honorable stillness of each person until I was able to "freely" move on to the next. AND... I am forever grateful. Grateful that they were in my life, grateful that I am still here and able to give light, love, respect and acknowledgment to those who have gone before me, to those who have paved the way.

White board with names of the deceased

On this year's Day of the Dead, make time to honor and respect those friends and family that have left this life. Keep them alive in your mind, in your heart. Honor and commune with them Celebrate the difference that they've made in your life no matter how small. Say their name in a way that creates feeling. Write their name slowly and image their faces in your mind. Respect that you had the opportunity to know them.

Take this time to write light-hearted notes or send a text message to the people, adults and children that are in your life now, letting them know how they matter. Remind them that you "see" them and that just by virtue of them being here they are making a difference.

Live the life that you've been given in such a way that someday... someone ... will honor and respect the difference you have made for them.

You don't know what tomorrow will bring.

For what is your life but a vapor,

That appears for a little time,

and then vanishes away.

James 4:14