Amy's Blessing Way

Every once in awhile something happens--either by chance or by plan--that helps us to see the sacred in our lived experience.  For this, I am thankful.

Last night, I attended a Blessing Way for my dear friend Amy.  I had never participated in this type of ceremony or ritual, and at the end of the evening I walked away with a deep mix of gratitude...and sadness.  Gratitude because of the privilege of participating in the goodness of what had happened in that space during our time together, but sadness at the tremendous lack of meaningful ritual surrounding childbirth in my life until now.  (With all due respect to baby showers, etc--this was something entirely...different.)

By candlelight, we offered blessings, gifts and symbols of our love and support of Amy and our shared experience as women--those gifted with bringing new life into the world.  Poems were read.   Then, when the time was right...we ate...and painted Amy's tummy.

Amy's kids came into the room for this part...Hosanna worked on spelling her name.

Amy, I wish you great JOY in the coming days...and beyond.

NOTE:  I discovered that another woman had a similar experience to myself, having never attended a Blessing Way before Amy's.  She also blogged about the experience, with more eloquence about all the details:
http://beingbadia.wordpress.com/2013/08/07/a-blessing-way/