When the question of how to lay a loved one to rest came into play during a recent session in mediumship, the dear one in question stepped forward in spirit to share his loving perspective. As though taking part in his own ceremony the spirit lifts his hands above his head allowing the ashes to fall gently from his hands. Together he and I watch as they drift away on a gentle breeze.
This vision of the falling ashes is the spirits way of answering the question held in the heart of my sitter before I know it myself. What do you do if, for whatever reason, you don’t have the ashes of the one you wish to honour? How can you reconcile the disconnect and lay your loved one to rest?
The spirit imparts his simple truth.
“The physical is no longer of importance,” he explains. He hopes that those left behind can agree and understand, he has no attachment to his ashes. “It is the symbolism not the actual act of laying a body to rest that has meaning for those who reside in spirit. The attention to one’s physical remains holds meaning only for those who grieve.”
The spirit does not feel distraught in any way about not being buried in the ‘usual’ way. Yet, he understands the importance of the grieving process and human need for resolution. His families desire to care for him is tenderly felt by his soul self. All the while he hopes to encourage a sense of letting go of the physical in order that they might embrace his new state of being. This shift in mindset will open the way for the family to seek an agreeable means to symbolically replace his ashes with something that brings them peace. For him, a sense of peace has long since been granted.
“Be creative and allow your heart to lead you,” he explains joyfully. ‘Think bigger than smaller!” By this he means consider our connection as it is now, much larger than the limitations of the earthly plane.
I watch as his hand places a single red rose in the ground as one possible representation of his physical self that his family might consider. A simple yet profoundly beautiful gesture.
Be kind to your own dear heart if you find yourself in a similar situation. In circumstances such as this where the body or remains of your loved one are not within reach let your heart expand into the heavens. Simple, loving, heartfelt gestures are received and appreciated by your loved ones in spirit. Let your worries fall away and know your prayers are carried homeward in the instant you consider them.
With love,
Catherine ~