How do I handle the grief of losing someone I love?

Losing a loved one can be an extremely difficult experience, and finding closure can be a long and arduous process. Please know you’re not alone.

While traditional funeral ceremonies provide solace for some, others prefer alternative ways to bid farewell to their loved ones. One such alternative is a memorial at sea, and the Monterey Bay off the coast of Santa Cruz offers a picturesque and tranquil setting for such ceremonies. The area is home to an array of marine life, including dolphins and whales, who, like humans, exhibit complex emotions and empathy when grieving. Experiencing the sights and sounds of these animals can be a unique and fitting tribute to a loved one’s life, as their songs and calls are incredibly melodic and provide a sense of calm and peace.

Additional marine life experiences could and often include, sea otters, sea lions, seals, mola molas among many others, making it a perfect location for a memorial at sea. And if that is not enough, the bay’s peaceful and reflective atmosphere, coupled with its stunning natural beauty, offers a chance for families to celebrate the life of their loved one providing a true “all sensory” environment that will create memories to be cherished for a life time.

For many years, therapy animals such as horses have been instrumental in helping people cope with grief and trauma. Similarly, marine life can also provide therapeutic benefits for those dealing with loss. A memorial at sea in the Monterey Bay provides an opportunity to connect with nature and find comfort in the beauty of one’s surroundings.

If you’re looking for a unique and meaningful way to commemorate the life of your loved one, consider Sea Spirit Memorial, a family-run business based in Santa Cruz that specializes in ash scatterings and full body burials at sea. Visit https://seaspiritmemorial.com/ for more information.

All photos were taken while on the Sea Spirit vessel.