This week has been a whirlwind of events. Graduation ceremonies at Teesside University where I had the privilege of watching thousands of graduates cross the stage, supported by their loved ones. An end-of term summer concert, a Year 9 graduation ceremony and an art exhibition for my daughter, V.
Being part of these celebrations has been a reminder to me of how important it is to mark the important moments in our lives and to create collective rituals around them: ways to celebrate the successes achieved, the points of transition, the places where we turn the page on one chapter and begin a new one.
Creative arts of all kinds help us to create these collective celebrations.
This week, as I sat applauding and cheering alongside other members of my community, as we listened to special words and songs crafted for such occasions, as we shared beautiful food and walked together through the same spaces looking at lovingly crafted works of art, I felt truly lucky to be a human being surrounded by other human beings.
These experiences give me hope for the future.
We all need to feel part of something meaningful and purposeful. We all need to experience joy and celebration together.
As Lucille Clifton writes:
'won’t you celebrate with me
what i have shaped into
a kind of life?'
Yes, Lucille! It's an invitation to celebrate all that we are – individually and when we come together.
Writing invitation
What or who would you like to celebrate this week?
What rituals could you create to celebrate yourself?
Who would you like to applaud or urge on?
