How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality HGW Presents: How Rituals Help Us Process Grief (The Science of Happiness)
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Aug 17, 2025 Michelle Tellez, a scholar specializing in cultural traditions, and Matthew Sandoval, known as Dr. Muerte for his expertise on Day of the Dead, explore how rituals like Dia de los Muertos help us process grief. They discuss the significance of the ofrenda, how the holiday has evolved over time, and its impact on familial ties and cultural identity. Personal anecdotes highlight the healing power of communal practices and the balance between tradition and modern influences, such as commercialization in today's society.
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Personal Path To The Ritual
- Michelle Tellez learned Dia de los Muertos after her father died to stay connected to his memory.
- She taught herself altar-building and the ritual became a yearly way to process grief and celebration.
Ofrenda As Intentional Bridge
- An ofrenda is a material offering that connects the living to a spiritual realm through photos, elements, and favorite foods.
- Michelle frames the ofrenda with intention and elements representing earth, wind, fire, and water.
Holding Grief And Joy Together
- Rituals let grief and celebration coexist, making loss a continuous, shared process rather than a final absence.
- Michelle says this practice preserves relationships across generations and acknowledges mortality without ending connection.