Burial at Sea – Let Nature Heal
As facilitator on many burial at sea – ash scattering ceremonies, I have had a front row seat to witness the magical powers and awe-inspiring nature of the sea. Its power to heal, transform, and bring families closer together–in a situation where people’s emotions can range from awful to awkward–is unparalleled. During our darkest hour, why not leave it to the mystical forces of nature and her ineffable beauty to console us?
The touch of the sea is sensuous, enfolding the body in its soft, close embrace.”
–Kate Chopin
Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
Fortunately, Burial At Sea has made the process of saying goodbye as simple and seamless as possible. This is why I’ve chosen to be part of their caring team. We’re here to help you every step of the way. Rest assured your point of contact will be with an experienced funeral director who will coordinate the arrangements to your specifications. Whether it’s a memorial service or celebration of life on the water, we take pride in going above and beyond expectations to meet your family’s needs and to ensure this sacred ceremony is both personalized and comforting.
—Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.
A Customary Sea Burial Ceremony
A moment of silence, with heads, bowed, our hearts and mind merge as one to honor the life and legacy of a beloved. Incomparable stillness and reverence. Prayers, poems, lively stories, fond memories of a lost loved one are shared. Reflections. The cremains interspersed with a rainbow of rose petals are carefully lowered and released. The captain rings a bell. The reverberation sends chills. The vast openness and beauty of the natural setting are far more spiritual and intimate than a funeral home.
As a client’s selected song plays, the ocean’s enveloping energy can be palpable as we watch the water slowly engulf the colorful offering as it becomes one with the greater universe. Flowers for sea burial are an important part of ceremony, they create an atmosphere. After the final farewell, the yacht slowly makes its way back to shore.
–Jacques Cousteau
Better than SeaWorld
Most Families Now Select Cremation
End-Of-Life preferences are evolving. In 2018, more people are opting for cremation, in California the cremation rate is over 60%. Sea burial is also far less expensive than an in-ground burial. No land is required and no urn is required. There are advantages for the environment as well. A land burial requires resources. The lack of a casket or headstone cuts down on natural materials such as wood, stone, and metals. This, in turn, benefits the planet as well as your pocketbook. It eliminates cemetery costs and lessens the ecological footprint. Some families may choose to use a bio-degradable urn, and these are relatively inexpensive. When cremains are released back to nature, they degrade in the environment very quickly. For people cremated using Alkaline Hydrolysis, we do recommend using a biodegradable urn.
Ash Scattering
A practical and respectful way to release a loved one’s remains
Devotion to the Ocean – Sea Burial
My comfort will come from the sea.
The stillness of calm waves will gently drift by
I will be as one with the sea.
When the sun sets on the ocean blue, remember me as I will always remember you.
As the sun rises, go live life as full as can be.
Apart you and me, but be at peace for I am free.
–Captain Chad Theesfeld
sound Waves – many Unique Stories
His daughter cherry-picked the fitting Beatle’s song “Octopus’s Garden” which raised everyone’s spirits.
~Mo Mellady