A ceremony to honour travellers on the 4th floor

Invocation
 created by Edmund O’Sullivan and Dan Yashinsky with input from the in-patient storytelling group and used in Dan Yashinsky's keynote presentation at the Storytelling for Health Conference

Music:  Play the gamelan chimes
 
Words: 
The ceremony we are about to do is an honoring of your life – of who you are, who you were, and who you will become –
We gather to honor your courage in being here, and to remind ourselves that we are not alone on this journey -
Welcome, Travellers, and thank you for joining this circle

The Storm That Brought You Here
 
We know the storm that brought you here,
The storm of depression
That takes away your sense of purpose,
Your pleasure in life,
Your ability to move forward –
You are storm-stayed now
And this can be your sanctuary until you’re ready to travel again –

Four blessings
 
Here are four blessings for you –
We invite you to respond after each blessing with these words of affirmation:  Let it be so!
 
May you find your path of healing through this darkness
 
May you move your life on to new and fulfilling challenges
 
May you gain wisdom from your season with depression
 
May you share your wisdom with others who need it

You Are Not Alone
 
Now that you have found a haven
You will have an opportunity
To recover what you have lost in the storm
And to one day travel
To new destinations –
You are not alone -
Many have been lost in this storm,
Many have sought shelter here,
Many have travelled again when they were ready –

End of Ceremony
 
Music:  Ring bell
 
Words:
With the sound of this bell
We remember that though we feel broken,
We will keep trying to mend –
 
Music:  Ring bell
 
With the sound of this bell
We remember that we may go forth even in darkness –
 
Music: Ring bell
 
With the sound of this bell
We thank you for gathering and dream together of the possible wonder of new beginnings
 
Music: Ring bell
 
Group:  Let it be so