In all cultures except our culture today, transitions into the various stages of life were marked by taking time out from 'doing' to 'just be' in nature, and by ceremonies that honoured the gift that each of us has for our people.

As an adolescent we are passing from childhood towards adulthood. To become an adult in the 'true' sense of the word, we have to gain a sense of who we are and how we might fit into the world, away from our parents. We need to have a space where we can hear our hearts, find our courage and be acknowledged by a larger group for the particular gift we bring.

If we don't have this space we may pass into adulthood feeling misunderstood, isolated, disempowered or full of creative energy without knowing what to do with it. We also may be drawn into challenging ourselves in ways that don't lead anywhere positive, e.g., crime, violence or substance abuse.

For parents it may be a tough time too. We have to honour our children's yearning for responsibility, independence and self-expression, at the same time as having to let go of what we want for our children and our fears for their future. We have to turn again to look at our own path, acknowledge what we have achieved, heal our own pain, and explore our transition into the stages of maturity or elderhood, the responsibilities and freedom that are calling to us there.

And as a society of communities, if we are to create a world of peace, plenty and creative self-expression, we may also need to reconnect with the bigger picture, our visions, and touch the earth once again to tune into the heart-beat of the cosmos.