The past months have been filled to the brim with numerous challenges. Not only have BIPOC communities been ravaged disproportionately by the Covid-19 pandemic, but also by the pandemic of racial and social injustices. This pandemic is not new. BIPOC communities have been struggling for far too long to combat the virus known as racism.
In looking at all that has happened since the beginning of 2020, it occurred to me that looking to and calling upon the help of those that travelled this long and weary road before us, may just be the assistance we need right now. We cannot forgot upon whose shoulders we now stand. I believe that now more than ever, that the veneration of our ancestors should be a part of our daily self-care practice. And for those of us who have not yet given this much thought, there are various examples and sources of knowledge and instruction that can help us to make ancestor veneration a beautiful and uplighting element of our spiritual & self-care practice and our lives.
The Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh speaks of the connection between our bodies, mindful breathing and our ancestors. He states that it is possible through the practice of being conscious of our bodies and aware of the breath, that we can recognise the presence of our ancestors in every cell of our bodies.
By incorporating some form of ancestor veneration, we not only enter into to contact with them, but also uphold that for which they stood. With breath work and meditation, we calm our minds and bodies and become receptive to diverse forms of information.
I am certain that our ancestors have important messages for us to hear. Let us take the time to quiet our minds, breathe and take a moment to listen.
The ancestral connection and the ability to communicate with them is one of the themes that we will discuss and work on in the next Circle of Oyá session in September.
Stay tuned for more information.
Wishing you all a wonderful week.
And may you enjoy the protection of your ancestors!