A Shared Space for Reflection

Like many workplaces, families, friend circles, and faith groups, the Reflection Park team has a group chat. Our chat is frequently filled with mundane operational announcements or reminders, but just as often, it serves as a place for one of us to share a reflection, a moment, a poem, or an article with the rest of the group.

Recently, on December 21st, the northern hemisphere’s longest night, a member of our team shared the poem: Blessing for the Longest Night in our group chat. It’s a poignant reminder that times of darkness are but a season, albeit a returning one, but always with the possibility of light ahead.

Though never a replacement for in-person connection, the “group chat” has become the modern-day equivalent of a hearthside gathering, a chat on a park bench, an iced tea on the porch. It’s a way to virtually tap someone on the shoulder and ask them to pause for a moment to ponder something with you or share micro-doses of awe with each other.

Like any good group chat that involves multiple contributors, we invite you to join the conversation! In this edition, we debut a “Community Pen” section featuring your writing and other shared content. We thank Chandra Keller for her inaugural submission and encourage you to submit your recommendations (poems, articles, podcasts, images, etc.) and original work for consideration in future newsletter editions.

In addition to connecting virtually, we continue to gather in person, enjoying meeting many of you at open houses over the last couple of months. If you are interested in joining us in the months ahead, simply register using the link below. In the meantime, we will continue to collect FAQs emerging from our conversations with you and share them here for your reference.

If you have an anticipated need in the very near future, please contact us to discuss an earlier visit by emailing info@reflectionpark.org.

Best wishes for more light, wherever you find it, in the days ahead.

Community Pen

In this new section of our newsletter, we share perspectives from community members on themes relevant to Reflection Park’s mission.

Natural burial as an environmentally nourishing alternative to cremation

by Chandra Keller*

My father was a man of economy and efficiency — of words, actions, consumption, and of natural resources. He grew up on a working, family-owned farm shaped by Great Depression-era parents. Respect for the land, living creatures, and finite resources was baked into his DNA. My dad would joke that when he died he wanted us to put him in a bag and throw him in a ditch. Ironically, his express wish in planning for the end of his life was cremation. When faced with two options — cremation or traditional burial with embalming — it makes sense that cremation seemed the better choice. It has taken me until my own middle age to learn that, actually, there is a third choice.

Traditional burials put a lot of non-biodegradable materials in the ground, enough each year to build the Golden Gate Bridge. The formaldehyde in embalming fluid is harmful to the surrounding ecosystem and to funeral workers. It makes sense that cremation appears to be a more eco-friendly option and that twice as many Americans choose cremation compared to traditional burials.

I have learned that there are harmful environmental impacts from cremation too. Cremation uses a lot of fossil fuels and emits harmful CO2 gases and other pollutants into our atmosphere. It is also hazardous to crematory workers. The ashes and ground-up bones can be harmful to the plants and ecosystems if they are buried or scattered.

I’ve also learned that being buried simply in a bag, as my father would joke, actually is an option. Many funeral homes now offer no embalming and the use of shrouds or simple, biodegradable caskets. There are also more natural burial grounds like Reflection Park.

My father passed away almost 20 years ago. Back then, natural burial wasn't widely available. I'm glad I've since learned about how cremation affects the environment and that natural burial exists as a greener option. I’m not alone in this thinking. The National Funeral Directors Association found that about 61% of people want eco-friendly funeral choices.

Natural burial may not be right for everyone. There are many reasons why families might choose cremation, and I hope to explore some of them in future Community Pen posts. I am grateful that Reflection Park meets families where they are and allows for the burial of existing cremains. But as I make plans for the future, natural burial is the best choice for me. It will allow my body to contribute positively to the environment and show respect for the land, wildlife, and our limited natural resources.

*Chandra Keller lives in the DC area with her husband and two sons. She supports palliative care initiatives in her role at the National Institute on Aging. The opinions expressed in this essay are the author’s own and should not be interpreted as representing the official viewpoint of her employer.

Ways to Connect

In addition to open houses, we welcome tours with faith, social, civic, and other groups. We can host your group on site, meet you in your place of gathering, or both. Simply email us to let us know what you have in mind and we will work with you.

Additional ways to connect with Reflection Park:

• Schedule a virtual pre-need meeting with Reflection Park staff or start the process online on your own.

• Volunteer

• Read the burial planning guide

• Donate to one of Reflection Park’s charitable funds

What We’re Reading

• Reflection Park’s mission is to restore our relationship with the natural cycle of life, death, and renewal so that we may live more conscious and purposeful lives. We celebrate those who find their purpose and connection through equitable hospice and end-of-life work, particularly in non-traditional settings such as hospice programs in prisons.

• The one-mile hiking trail at Reflection Park is a gentle path through tall trees and the perfect location for a forest bath. Forest bathing has proven benefits for everyone. Read more about the health benefits of forest therapy for people with dementia, in particular.

• As we strive to make Reflection Park welcoming to all, our team enjoyed this local author’s depiction of the quiet revelation of an interfaith cemetery as an “ultimate convergence” of the human experience. Reflection Park is open to everyone as a multi-faith cemetery offering three burial sections: the Peace Section for all faiths and those with no specific faith affiliation, Salaam as a choice for Muslim families, and Shalom as a choice for Jewish families.

• If you are a New York Times subscriber, you probably saw the recent “Let’s Talk About Death” Special Section on January 4th, which includes a plethora of resources and guides on end-of-life decisions, preparation, and medical issues. The insert also provides advice for those navigating the practical and emotional ramifications of bereavement. If you are not a subscriber to the Times, you might consider seeking a gift article, reading it at a local library, or getting a limited subscription to engage fully in the material.

Reflection Park is a 501(c)(3) non-profit charity and all donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.
We are grateful for every dollar contributed in support of
our mission to create a sacred place that celebrates
the cycle of life, death, and renewal.

More information about specific giving opportunities can be found on our donation page.

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