We are all constantly going through change, either intentionally or not. In yoga class this morning, my yogini teacher said the only certainty in life is change and that is where our growth lies.
Five months ago I signed up to Mentor 2 teens through a Rite of Passage Program. This is something that sings to my heart. When I started coaching I dreamed of working with teen girls. The combination of my own teen years, my daughter's and my assorted nieces' made me fully appreciate the value of having someone by your side during those turbulent teen years. Man I wish I had. Self-esteem issues, peer pressure (present in any era), and just the challenge of navigating these years of uncertainty combine to create a very tough time for some kids. I hoped I could make a difference for some kid.
Years later, after completing my Certified Life Cycle Celebrant program, I find the teens showing up in my life and I feel so honored. This group of teens, through our Unity Church program, studied all aspects of life including body (sex), mind and spirit. They wrote their own personal Statement of Faith. I marveled at the poise and maturity these kids possesed. Today, we honored the journey they all took with a Graduation ceremony, complete with many rituals. Traditionally, all life-passages can be marked with a ceremony that takes us through the "hero's journey" (a la Joseph Campbell) -- the break from the old, the acceptance and acknowledgement of where you are today, and the celebration of where you are going as the group sends you off to your next phase of your journey. Our ceremony accomplished just that and more. I saw a group of kids who didn't know each other real well bond together, feel proud of themselves and demonstrate values that will carry them well to adulthood.
Again, I am proud to have known them, and feel affirmed in my conviction of the value of such programs and ceremonies. Co-incidentally, unrelated to this, I am just beginning coaching with another teen. I feel the calling and will gladly stand by her side as guide, mentor, confidante. Life changes and transitions made a little easier, and more empowering -- that's what I stand for.
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