What are you learning from your ancestors?

Querida Amiga,

This week I am coming to you from my sister’s home. I am visiting my family this week for my nephew’s birthday. Sitting around the table eating dinner together, laughing, and singing to him are among the moments that continue to remind me there is joy and hope among the chaos and frustration.

For multiple reasons, this is feeling like a good year to introduce the little ones in my life to their ancestors and how they are a part of their lives, even if they are not physically sitting at the table with us. We got out a notebook over the weekend and started our preparations for Día de Los Muertos at the end of the month.

First, we had to identify who the ancestors were that they wanted to learn about. They selected their paternal grandmother and great grandparents on both sides. I asked them what they wanted to know about these ancestors. They made a list of 5 questions that they will now use to interview their dad and grandparents over the next couple of weeks.

I am curious to hear what emerges from their interviews. Honestly, I am hoping to learn more about these ancestors through their process. My desire for this younger generation of our family is that they learn from a young age that these curiosities about where they came from will help them to connect with more of who we are.

We all come from somewhere, biologically and geographically. There is inspiration, hope, and empowerment in connecting to the energy that birthed us. There is an abundance of wisdom and guidance available to us when we pause to sit with our ancestors and listen.

My hope for living and future generations is that we never forget that we are communal people. We do not exist solely as individuals. We exist in connection to other human beings and spirits who fed us while in the womb and will carry us into our next journey as spirits.

I want to continue to be present in these moments of hearing, feeling, seeing, touching, and sensing my family around me. May I always remember and show gratitude for the ways they have contributed to who I am today and who I am consciously evolving into.

Quiero saber de ti. How do you engage with your ancestors? What are you learning from the wisdom and experiences of your ancestors?

Un Abrazo, 

Michelle

P.S. This month I will be sharing more about what a journey to deeper connection with ancestors can be. At the end of this month, I will be offering a weekend workshop to connect with our ancestors. Many of you have expressed interest in getting to know the other women in this community on a deeper level. Let’s plan out a larger chunk of time together to be in community and in conversation as we explore who our ancestors were and how they are still present and guiding us in our lives. Save the date: Saturday, October 24th 10 am-12 pm PST