The Vows We Make

Yesterday, on 9/09/09 at 9:09:09am, I had the honor to officiate a beautiful wedding ceremony for two soul mates that finally found each other. The number nine in Feng Shui represents happy and prosperous conclusions that bring completion to a cycle so the birth of a new one can be created. The day and timing of this wedding was consciously chosen for this reason.

A wedding is one of the most special events that I get to be a part of in an intimate way. Each ceremony I have performed has been co-created with the bride and groom, weaving in stories of how they met, what they love about one another, and what commitments they want to make. As a result, sacred space is created and I am given the gift to witness the raw, genuine, and powerful love between two people.

During each wedding ceremony, including my own, great care and thought is given to the vows we make to our partners. A vow, like a contract, is a promise that we consciously claim, committing ourselves completely to the other. Throughout the relationship, we strive to keep true to our vows with daily action, choices and behaviors. Here are a few of my favorite examples:

• "I promise to love you as a mystery: loving what I know of you, trusting what I do not yet know, and supporting what you become."

• "I promise to truly love you with kindness, faithfulness, and respect through every circumstance that life may bring."

• "I commit to do whatever is needed to have our marriage succeed."

• "I intend to appreciate you every day in your uniqueness, and support your expressions of authenticity."

• "I intend to hold you in my heart with honor, respect, love and gratitude."

• "I will communicate with you openly, honestly and with kindness."

• "It is my deepest intention to be present with you always and in all ways."

As you reflect on some of these vows as well as the ones you made in your own marriage or partnership, allow yourself to remember the feeling of love that was expressed and felt on that special day. Soak in the love, soak in the connection.

This week, I invite you to reflect on the vows you have made with yourself as well as your partner. Take out your journal and reflect on the questions below.

• What vows did you make to your partner and/or yourself?

• Are you living up to your commitments to your Self and /or to your partnership?

• Do the vows that you made to your Self and/or to your partnership need to be revised?

If you would like support or guidance in revising, creating, or renewing your vows to your Self or to your loved one, please call upon me to assist you.