… before I get into More specifics, read a few words that speak to me:
“There is an extremely powerful force that, so far, science has not found a formal explanation to. It is a force that includes and governs all others, and is even behind any phenomenon operating in the universe and has not yet been identified by us.
The universal force is LOVE.
When scientists looked for a unified theory of the universe they forgot the most powerful unseen force.
Love is Light, that enlightens those who give and receive it.
Love is gravity, because it makes some people feel attracted to others.
Love is power, because it multiplies the best we have, and allows humanity not to be extinguished in their blind selfishness. Love unfolds and reveals...
If we want our species to survive, if we are to find meaning in life, if we want to save the world and every sentient being that inhabits it, love is the one and only answer...
... each individual carries within them a small but powerful generator of love whose energy is waiting to be released.
When we learn to give and receive this universal energy, [dear, human], we will have affirmed that love conquers all, is able to transcend everything and anything, because love is the quintessence of life...” ”
What is Humanism?
Humanism is a nonreligious “philosophy of life that, without supernaturalism, affirms our ability and responsibility to lead ethical lives of personal fulfillment that aspire to the greater good of humanity”
- Humanist Manifesto III
Why humanism?
My religious background is being raised in the Catholic Church. My family found community through our church and performed acts of service, based on teachings in the Bible, and a truly genuine desire to serve our neighbors and those less fortunate than ourselves.
I often think about four summers, while in high school, spent with my church doing mission work in West Virginia and Honduras. Those experiences were incredible opportunities to learn about myself, but in hindsight, what I really learned was my reason for being there. Even back then, I often replaced the word “God” with “Love” and “Universe.” I knew I had a feeling but I was never able to find the social structure or word-sound to “sum it all up.”
As an adult, I can now express my understanding of being connected to a larger community which is bound to ethical values that develop from observation and rational analysis, based on human need and tested by experience. This is not a religion - it’s a philosophy on how to approach and live life - free of theism.
I believe in the relationships between Humans as well as the relationship between Humans and the Earth.
Each and every person has worth and dignity and deserves respect.
I find fulfillment in, and believe the value of, meaningful relationships.
It is important to uphold, and imperative to work harder toward, equal civil and human rights.
What does This mean for potential Clients?
Endorsed Humanist Celebrants are afforded the same rights and privileges granted by law in most states to priests, ministers and rabbis of traditional theistic religions. Providing professional ceremonies not only for weddings but other major life events and milestones such as birth or naming ceremonies, memorial services, gender transition ceremonies, adoption celebrations and more, Humanist Celebrants are not bound to traditional religion or dogma.
This means that I am open-minded and full of ideas to help you create a personalized ceremony that fits your relationship. If you want to incorporate “traditional” elements - I’m here for that journey! If you want a wedding ceremony that doesn’t feel like a wedding ceremony - I will jump on that train too.
The bottom line is - as a Humanist, I see you. I see you as an individual. I see the way you love your partner and the way they love you. I respect your beliefs, your customs, your vows and promises. My goal as a Wedding Officiant and Celebrant is to tell and share your story during the wedding ceremony.
“To be fully seen by somebody, then, and be loved anyhow—this is a human offering that can border on miraculous.”
Why Do You say “Ritual” so much?
Maybe it all sounds a little “woo woo” when the words I write are read out loud. [Ew, David.]
But it’s not just that the rituals, traditions, and cultural aspects of my religious upbringing were impactful on my life, that’s obvious… Ritual really is something special and it’s based in science.
Ritual is an instinctual human need that provides a constant through the ever-changing variables of life. Ritual is a place to come back to, creating calm through familiarity, it provides tools for resilience and reminds us of the connections we have to each other and the world around us.
I now utilize an appreciation for these practices around new rituals that are more in line with my individual goals and values.
Ritual is a way to give meaning to a moment or a feeling and create connection between those who participate in it and those who are witness to it. Typically ritual includes performing some kind of physical act.
Let’s be clear, ritual doesn’t have to mean a bunch of crystals and having your tarot cards read [these are not my specialty, regardless] - it’s everything from walking to your favorite coffee shop on Sunday morning to how you have to kiss three times for it to really count.
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