The great transitions of a life — a birth and naming, a union, a farewell — deserve to be held with attention. Over the years I have been present at more than 1,500 ceremonies, across the major world traditions — Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Sikh — as well as secular ceremonies.
Ceremonies can be religious, spiritual, secular or entirely personal. My role is to honour the people, beliefs and meaning of the occasion. The work is not religious. It is also not anti-religious. It is human.
The families I sit with are looking for dignity, and the reassurance that what matters will be honoured. My work is to listen carefully, prepare, and hold the day so they can stay present in the moment.