Melanie Childers, my beloved partner, created a wonderful celebration for some of our friends and family to help send us off with a customized Backpack Blessing ceremony which spoke deeply to my own sense of spirituality. I will miss Melanie deeply, but it was such a wonderful experience to have a chance to reaffirm ties within community, and to receive their blessing, and also to know that these people will be around for Melanie to connect with more in my absence. We are so grateful for the loving people in our lives. Along with sharing some powerful readings from others during the ceremony, Melanie also composed the message included below the photo. I'd also like to say a thanks to dear friend Mary McKinney for both photos in this post.
Blessing of Cath, Sojo, and Backpacks
Cath and Sojo,
As your adventure continues
On new and rugged paths
May you be open-eyed to the wonders along the route
May you be sure-footed even when the ground is slippery and uneven
May you be full-hearted to experience the gift of each moment.
May you realize the joy of being part of such a magnificent creation.
May you respect the powers of the natural world,
Be alert to your surroundings
Proceed with caution and trust.
Rely on your inner wisdom.
May your steps be sure and confident, paced and balanced
May you step lightly, and may your knees be agile and strong.
May your spirits be renewed, replenished, and energized.
May you be patient with each other.
May clear water be abundant, or at least adequate
May your meals be satisfying and nutritious, if not gourmet
May the ticks and mosquitos find you unappealing.
May the deer and turtles trust you as kindred spirits.
May all strangers you meet be gracious and hospitable.
May you in turn be gracious to all you meet.
All journeys involve hope and fear, laughter and tears.
You will likely meet joy and pain, longing and doubt on your path.
May you and our world have the freedom to laugh, the courage to cry,
The compassion to be open and the faith to believe.
May you go in peace, and may peace go in you.
All repeat together:
May Cath and Sojo be safe.
May Cath and Sojo be well.
May Cath and Sojo be peaceful.
May Cath and Sojo be content.
Cath and Sojo,
As your adventure continues
On new and rugged paths
May you be open-eyed to the wonders along the route
May you be sure-footed even when the ground is slippery and uneven
May you be full-hearted to experience the gift of each moment.
May you realize the joy of being part of such a magnificent creation.
May you respect the powers of the natural world,
Be alert to your surroundings
Proceed with caution and trust.
Rely on your inner wisdom.
May your steps be sure and confident, paced and balanced
May you step lightly, and may your knees be agile and strong.
May your spirits be renewed, replenished, and energized.
May you be patient with each other.
May clear water be abundant, or at least adequate
May your meals be satisfying and nutritious, if not gourmet
May the ticks and mosquitos find you unappealing.
May the deer and turtles trust you as kindred spirits.
May all strangers you meet be gracious and hospitable.
May you in turn be gracious to all you meet.
All journeys involve hope and fear, laughter and tears.
You will likely meet joy and pain, longing and doubt on your path.
May you and our world have the freedom to laugh, the courage to cry,
The compassion to be open and the faith to believe.
May you go in peace, and may peace go in you.
All repeat together:
May Cath and Sojo be safe.
May Cath and Sojo be well.
May Cath and Sojo be peaceful.
May Cath and Sojo be content.