The Power of Commencement Ceremonies at Soberman’s Estate

At Soberman’s Estate, our commencement stone ceremonies mark the incredibly transformative journey of each of our clients. These ceremonies are more than just the end of treatment—they symbolize rebirth, newfound strength, and the beginning of a life rooted in sobriety and purpose.

A key element of these ceremonies is the labyrinth walk, which invites each man to take a reflective journey, both physically and metaphorically. The clients celebrate and honor their peer that is leaving by pausing at each of the 34 turns, thinking positive thoughts for him as he prepares to start a new life of recovery. As they walk the path, they leave behind the chaos of addiction and step into clarity, strength, and peace. At the center of the labyrinth the client will place a stone that he has painted, symbolizing a representation of the personal commitment made to maintain sobriety and integrity in the life ahead.

But the heart of the ceremony is not just in the journey of walking the labyrinth—it’s in the heartfelt words shared by each of the clients and the staff. A few nights ago, I was deeply touched as our Clinical Director Jodi Stone shared a poem she had written for a client we were celebrating. Her words encapsulate the profound respect we have for each man’s unique journey at Soberman’s Estate.

What comes to my mind?

Is with these wise eyes I see
Strength and fortitude
Truth and vulnerability

I see someone who tried (relentlessly)
And didn’t always get it right
But finished what he started
Every day and every night

I see someone who was always on time
Because he wanted to show respect
Took seriously the gift from his loved one
To his current scary path, correct

I see someone who makes decisions
Who is not afraid to tear and feel
To say the not-so-popular thing
To help those around him heal

I see someone who needs his people
But can learn to stand tall alone
Once he understands that best kind of company
Has been inside him all along

I wish you laughter and peace of mind
Warm winters and love that’s kind
Patience and tolerance and absence of the drink
Radical acceptance, to take note and think

You have my steadfast belief in you
Know that these comments are meant
With all my heart and confidence 110%.

These words, shared in a moment of profound reflection, speak to the challenges and victories faced by every client who walks through our doors. The poem highlights not only the personal growth of the client but also the collective impact on everyone involved—clients, staff, and families alike.

Each commencement ceremony is unique, shaped by the individual’s experiences and the community's love and support. Clients leave with a deeper understanding of themselves, carrying forward the lessons learned at Soberman’s Estate. They leave knowing that they are part of something larger—a brotherhood built on resilience, accountability, and the courage to continue choosing sobriety.

For the staff, these ceremonies serve as a reminder of why we do this work. Watching a man transform from someone burdened by addiction into a person filled with hope and direction is nothing short of inspiring. These ceremonies aren’t just celebrations for the clients; they renew our sense of purpose as we continue to guide men toward a life of freedom.

The words shared at these moments are a testament to the profound change that happens here, and the labyrinth walk, commencement stone, and heartfelt reflections create an environment where each man can look back on his journey with pride and look forward with hope.

Commencement is not an end—it’s a beginning.

Soberman's Estate is a residential men's addiction treatment center that provides discreet, individualized, sophisticated recovery and wellness services for adult men that want to recover from substance use disorders, and or other behavioral issues such as trauma, anxiety, depression, stress, or other addictions.  

If you or someone you know are struggling and wondering about the next step for receiving help, please call our Admissions Director for a complimentary consultation at 480.595.2222, or email info@SobermansEstate.com.