Honouring those who have suffered for us

Recently I’ve been reflecting upon my ancestors and the contributed to my spiritual realisation.

In particular, my great grandmother, Maria. My mum’s grandmother.

As I reflect upon where I came from, I acknowledge the great wisdom and spirit of my lineage. Those who lived before me and through their own suffering, paved the way for my human existence.

My belief system teaches that the Atman (individual soul) is the divine energy of creation. Thus, after a soul dear to us leaves their body we can experience them as being everywhere. In the oceans, in the skies and in the earth on which they too once walked. It becomes as though they never left us.

The spirit of our ancestors is deeply entrenched in the bounty of Mother Earth for us to call on as whenever we need direction or crave a deeper understanding.

If you would like to take a moment to connect with your ancestors, here’s a short practice I’ve been working with, you might try:

Sit comfortably on the ground.

Mindfully place your left hand on your heart and your right hand or fingers on the earth (or lower part of your legs if more comfortable). This is a variation of Bhumisparsha Mudra.

Close down your eyes and find your breath.

Now bring to mind all of your family and ancestors that have come before you.

Invoke this energy of wisdom through your right hand...as if extracting it from the ground beneath you.
Feel it fill you up.

As you do this, listen in to the wisdom they still have to impart. What messages do they have for you?

After a few minutes of listening, move your attention to your heart centre sitting behind your left hand....as you feel into this space, consider how you might honour this advice and their legacy in your life through the incredible and infinite force of your heart.

"You’re never alone, even in what you think are your weakest moments. You have thousands of years of powerful ancestors within you, the love of the Divine Great One in you, supreme intellect and royalty in you. Infinite strength is always on tap for you.” - Author Unknown