Although the focus in ancestral healing work is often on shifting the inherited burden and dysfunctional patterns, it’s also important to acknowledge the positive energies we receive through our lineage.
Family gifts come in many forms – a sense of humor, athleticism, intelligence, a love of woodworking, the ability to be present with grief, an adventurous spirit, a musical ear, or a kind heart. These gifts can bring great joy and become part of our personal power. They also support us through difficult times.
From my father, I got a strong sense of geographic direction and the ability to find my way in unfamiliar territory when traveling. He had amazing “animal awareness” and could spot wildlife and birds at a great distance. My father’s enjoyment of nature came from his father, who loved animals. Grandpa Morrill spent hours in the barn talking with his cows and always had a farm dog.
I received the ability to plan ahead from my mother, the most organized person I know. She also passed along a love of cooking and the ability to nurture through food. My maternal grandmother also nurtured through food. Some of my favorite childhood memories of Grandma were her visits to the farm. She frequently brought homemade caramel rolls and cooked us pancakes in the shape of animals for breakfast.
When we acknowledge our roots as the source of these gifts, we honor our ancestors. The skills and abilities they nurtured in themselves and their children live on through us, and in turn, we keep the energy alive and pass it on to the generations yet to come as a treasured legacy.
This work is real, and it matters.
June 7, 2022