Each month, a theme seems to unfold on its own through the process of planning the cleanup. That theme then weaves its way into cowork, and has influence on the resources created for those I get to partner with working alongside teens. The themes always help me ask deeper questions and weave their way into the research and often spill over into my personal writing and reflections. I’m really thankful for that.
For November, we’re exploring the concept of grief. The cleanup happens on November 1st, which also happens to be one of the days of Día de los Muertos here in Mexico. I’ve really been loving learning more about this tradition and how it creates space for remembrance, for honoring life and loss all at once.
At the cleanup, we’ll invite people to decorate a small candle in honor of someone or something they’ve lost. These will be added to the ofrenda (the altar). I am excited for the opportunity to offer something a little out of the ordinary. It’s not usually like me to use bright colors or lean into that kind of visual joy. When I learned about the tradition of creating light around things that often feel dark or difficult, it made me realize that staying within a comfort zone might mean missing out on something really beautiful.
I think the same can be true with belief systems.
When I first learned about the Christian idea of heaven after death, something in me experienced hopefulness around this idea of dying and death. I’m also learning that when we limit ourselves to thinking we already know the full truth, we can miss out on the beauty and wisdom that other cultures and traditions and belief systems hold.
“Muerte es vida.”
Death is life.
That phrase has been sitting with me this month, the way it holds paradox and tenderness all at once.
If you’d like to read some of my own reflections on grief and love you can find a few here. If you are praying kind of person I invite your prayers over our cleanup this Saturday and if you are one who is open to trying something possibly new for you, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone this weekend. Decorate a candle, find some pan de muerto, sprinkle a few marigolds, or create a small ofrenda of your own. Maybe let light and color touch something in you that’s felt dark for a while. Here is a short little reflection that we will share at the cleanup as well (if you want it in Spanish let me know I have it!!!)
