Taking Time w Anna Heriot

graduations. A country woman, Anna remembers a childhood of woolshed dances, fund raisers and Auld Lang Syne on New Years Eve, where the community came together to share major life changes heralded by weddings, christenings and funerals or what some called hatching, matching and dispatching! "Community bonds and shared ceremonies have been lost in the hectic lifestyles of the modern world and the scattering of family across distances, " says Anna. "People complain that they don't have enough time, yet we yearn for a deeper sense of meaning. If we don't acknowledge significant events in our lives we lose a part of life's richness. Taking time to focus, plan and share ceremonies gives us a chance to gather and share stories, pass on lore, affirm values, and enjoy the experience of life. Ceremonies provide an opportunity for people at the centre to focus on their own purpose and culture, and the essence of their moment of life change," says Anna.
Taking time with Anna means meeting in conversation where you work out the unique purpose of your ceremony and decide what kind of ceremony it will be. Small and intimate? Large and boisterous? Who should be there? Work out what you want to happen, when and where.
Authentic ceremonies are written in the poetry of the language of the people at the centre. For example, the parents of a child to be named, the shared song of the couple to be married, family and friends mourning their loss and celebrating the life of one who has died. "It is a time to speak and be heard," Anna smiles, "And a time for laughter and tears, dancing and stillness, music, good food and poetry."
Anna has received dozens of testimonials, all with the same sentiment..."you really captured the 'essence' of who we are".
Anna Heriot, BA, Dip Ed, Grad Dip Civil Ceremonies,can be contacted on 54999606 or 0410 233 756. Or visit www.takingtime.com.au.