What is an Adolescent Rite of Passage?
Simply put, a Rite of Passage is a ceremony that acknowledges a life transition. It defines the thresholds between one chapter and the next. When these transitions are honored with simple or elaborate ritual, with community present and stories shared, we find ourselves with a new sense of purpose, direction and wholeness. In this space we feel connected to others and to ourselves more deeply, as we step into our new role.
But more often, we go through these changes in our lives privately and alone. Or we use conventional ways of honoring, focusing more on the material value and the entertainment of the day, rather than the actual life change. This can leave us feeling exhausted and empty while missing the opportunity to connect to what our heart desires.
An intentional Rite of Passage can:
Create space for growth and connection to ourselves and our community
Remind us that challenge and struggle lead us to competence and empowerment
Shine light on our unique strengths and gifts that we have to offer
Solidify values, responsibilities, and commitments
Make space for loss, grief, celebration, and hope
Why choose to honor these life transitions?
Andrea - should we make this more relevant to A-ROP or DELETE BUT SAVE FOR OTHER TYPES OF CEREMONIES, LIKE WEDDINGS ETC.?
We are leading fast-paced lives. As time flies by, we can miss opportunities to notice changes in our selves and our children. Sometimes life hands us change whether we want it or not! Without the pause, we may miss the opportunity to reflect, honor, and heal.
Our culture doesn’t support this process of growth, as it once did. Many people come to me with a curiosity about my Rites of Passage work; they are intrigued but feel it’s “not them” or they could never do it on their own. I felt that way too! But then I discovered it can be done to reflect the unique values of my family. I realized that ceremony can be simple or grand. I have found a way to use timeless ceremony structure in a simple format to make it accessible to anyone.
Common examples: Mother Blessings, Transition to Adolescence, Marriage or Commitment Ceremonies, End of Life Ceremonies
Uncommon examples: Transition to Middle Childhood, Transition to Late Childhood, 1st Job or Leaving the home, Miscarriage, Entrustment Ceremony for Adoption, Divorce, Transition to Elderhood
ADOLESCENT RITES OF PASSAGE COURSE
This is a private course designed for families interested in creating a ceremony that honors your teen as he/she steps into the next chapter of adolescence. This intentional process will offer guidance and create the building blocks to strengthen your family system as a whole.
Adolescence is a fiery and notably transitional time in a young person's life filled with the possibility of powerful self-discovery. "Who am I within my community?" and "What are my unique gifts to offer my community and this world?" are important developmental wonderings in this phase.
Sadly our society gives this chapter a bad rap! With the surge of hormones, yearnings for deeper independence, and a new sense of exploration, it can be a critical time to support, honor and celebrate these changes. Together, let's redefine the negative stereotypes of teens, and find a way to guide them into adulthood with simple and intentional ceremony.
COURSE LOGISTICS
Monthly Online Zoom Sessions - $595
Meetings can be scheduled on Monday or Tuesday evenings from 8-9 pm PST
We will review 9 simple yet powerful building blocks of a meaningful Rite of Passage
Together we will create a meaningful and simple ceremony that reflects your teen and your family
This course is right for you if:
You have a child between the ages of 8-10 years old
You have been witnessing signs of change in your child and you want to acknowledge, honor and celebrate them
You are curious about ritual and ceremony and want to incorporate more in your family life and traditions
You want to shine light on your family values and create a solid foundation of community support for you and your child
You are craving the pause button in your busy life to find intention and connection.
SIGN UP FOR AN ADOLESCENT RITE OF PASSAGE WITH ANDREA
Adolescent Rites of Passage Ceremonies
Clementine's Ceremony, age 15
Clementine’s parents were very clear in their intention to mark their daughter’s transition into Adolescence before High School began. But they had no tradition to fall back on. Her parents, along with Clementine, were excited to learn and grow through the process.
Together we co-created a process and ceremony that shined light on Clementine’s strengths and challenges, created space for mentoring and connection while sharing the family values, and offering her a challenge to overcome. She prepared for and completed a 4-mile solo-hike to the summit of Mount Monadnock. She brought letters of love with her and descended down the mountain to her parents and younger siblings proudly awaiting her return.
“It was so clear that going through this process made Clementine understand the responsibilities and privileges of an older child. It also celebrated who she is and who she aspires to be. She really earned our trust. I think she knows this now and it gives her a real sense of confidence.”