At Soberman’s Estate, we believe in honoring the journey of recovery in a deeply personal and meaningful way. That’s why we do not use the word “graduation” when a client completes their residential treatment—we use the word commencement. This marks not an end, but a beginning. The Commencement Stone Ceremony is a unique and profound tradition at Soberman’s Estate, a moment of reflection, celebration, and hope.-2.jpeg?width=672&height=480&name=(672%20x%20480%20px)-2.jpeg)
A Symbol of Transformation
During their time at Soberman’s Estate, our clients work tirelessly to heal and rediscover themselves. They deserve to have their dedication acknowledged in a way that holds deep significance. The Commencement Stone Ceremony is a representation of their journey—a tangible symbol of their transformation.
Each client is invited to choose a stone from the landscape surrounding the Estate, selecting one that resonates with them in shape, color, or texture. This stone becomes a personal representation of their growth and newfound strength. The client then paints their stone with images, words, or symbols that reflect their healing and commitment to sobriety. These stones serve as transitional objects, carrying the meaning of their journey beyond their time in treatment.
Walking the Labyrinth: A Path to Reflection
The ceremony begins with a walk through the labyrinth, a sacred space at Soberman’s Estate designed for meditation and introspection. Modeled after the famous labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral in France, our labyrinth is a winding path of 34 turns, built with purple jasper stones native to the Sonoran Desert.
Mitch Prager, Founder and CEO of Soberman’s Estate, sets the intention:
“As we walk toward the labyrinth, start thinking of a good thought or wish for today’s honoree. Hold that thought in your mind. Each time you make a turn, bring your focus back to that wish.”
This walk is more than a simple journey—it is a pilgrimage of support and solidarity. As individuals move through the labyrinth, they do so in solitude together, sharing a collective space of healing while reflecting on the personal growth of their peer.
Sharing Words of Encouragement
At the center of the labyrinth, team members, peers, and sometimes family members, gather to share their thoughts. They reflect on how they have witnessed the client’s transformation, the strength they have shown, and the hope they carry forward. Clients, in turn, share their gratitude for the experience, acknowledging the staff, their peers, and the personal milestones they’ve achieved.
The moment is often deeply moving—families express their joy and relief at seeing their loved one return to them with renewed clarity and purpose. Clients form powerful bonds during their time at Soberman’s Estate, and some have even given special gifts to their peers or composed original songs to commemorate the occasion.
A Lasting Connection
At the conclusion of the ceremony, the client places their stone in the center of the labyrinth, joining the stones of those who have walked the path before them. It is a symbol of legacy, resilience, and shared healing.
To honor their achievement, each client also receives a Soberman’s Estate Commencement Ceremony Coin, a token of their journey and a reminder of the strength they carry with them beyond treatment.
A Space for Healing
The labyrinth is a powerful tool for reflection and self-discovery. Clients use it not just for the ceremony, but throughout their treatment. One client, who initially felt overwhelmed with anxiety upon arriving at Soberman’s, found peace simply by walking the labyrinth. Without pressure to meditate or think, the act of walking alone helped him find calm and clarity, easing his transition into treatment.
At the very heart of our labyrinth stands a majestic Saguaro cactus, a landmark that defines Soberman’s Estate as a place of renewal “in the Shadow of the Saguaro.” Just as the shade of the cactus provides relief in the desert, Soberman’s Estate provides a refuge for healing and transformation.
Looking Ahead
The Commencement Stone Ceremony is not just a farewell—it is a bridge to the future. The real work of recovery begins after residential treatment, and our clients carry with them the strength, support, and memories of this ceremony.
We look forward to the day when each client walks this path and chooses their own stone, marking their own milestone. And through the Soberman’s Estate Alumni Program, we continue to stay connected, offering ongoing support and resources for lifelong sobriety.
Because at Soberman’s Estate, we believe in helping every client build “A better life for the rest of your life.”
