A Time of Sacred Ancestral Connection: 5 Ways to Connect & Heal

“We are a continuum. Just as we reach back to our ancestors for our fundamental values, so we, as guardians of that legacy, must reach ahead to our children and their children. And we do so with a sense of sacredness in that reaching.” – Paul Tsongas

It’s the week of Halloween in the United States. But this candy-filled, costume-inspired holiday holds much deeper meaning and significance in many other cultures.

In Celtic tradition, it’s referred to as Samhain.
In many parts of South America, it’s known as Dia de Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. 

In both, there is an emphasis on honoring past loved ones and ancestors. There is a reverence for passing down traditions, lessons, and ancient knowledge for future generations to flourish. 

Today, you may notice there are beliefs, perspectives, and ways of living that our ancestors used to honor, that no longer fit the current state of the world or society. 

In fact, you may notice some beliefs and ways of living actually hinder future generations from flourishing.

While there is value in passing down traditions and wisdom, there is also just as much beauty and value in learning from the past, moving forward differently, and correcting it for the future.

So while we focus this week’s blog on honoring our past ancestors, we also acknowledge there is still much healing to be done on an ancestral level for most of us. 

We acknowledge that sometimes we carry the baggage from our ancestors and we need help and support in releasing it all before moving forward.

Continue on to learn more about how to connect and heal and learn from your ancestors, as you intentionally create your unique future.

5 Intentional Practices to Connect With and Heal Your Ancestral Line

Everyone’s connection to their ancestors is incredibly unique. For some, it is conscious and intentional. For others, it’s more on a subconscious level, with maybe some conscious indifference. 

It’s important to respect and acknowledge that everyone’s journey is different, and always remember to follow your own intuitive guidance. 

1. Go into Nature

Nature is one of the greatest connectors we will ever have to ourselves, to others, and to the expanse of the universe and beyond. Whether you identify as spiritual or not doesn’t matter. Science continues to prove the connection between us, and everything and everyone else in this world, and this universe, around us. 

Taking the time to connect with nature naturally increases and strengthens our connections to those before us. Water, trees, the soil – everything within the natural world is an innate, wise, record keeper and storyteller. 

All you need to do it connect. And listen.

2. Intentionally Connect with Your Ancestors

Creating an intentional practice to connect with your ancestors can become a sacred thing. And it can feel intimidating. Where do you start?

Well, for some, prayers or speaking aloud to their ancestors allows people to feel that connection more. For others, it can be helpful and less intimidating to simply journal as a way to connect.

To get you started, take a look at these simple reflection questions you can journal on. Maybe they can spur other questions within that you’d like to ask.

As you answer these questions, try not to think too deeply about it at first. Allow a stream of consciousness to flow onto the paper, not attaching meaning, judgment, or trying to understand what you’re writing.

Additionally, consider the container you create for this exercise. Maybe light some candles, play some soft music, and allow some time to relax your body and mind before beginning.

Reflection Questions to Connect with Your Ancestors:

– What unhealthy ideas/ beliefs/ways of being have been unintentionally passed down to me? What do I need to do to let them go?

– What positive ideas/beliefs/ways of being have I intentionally incorporated into my own life? Why did I make this choice?

– If my ancestors could speak to me now, what would they remind me to do/be? Is that advice in line with what I want to do and who I want to be? Why or why not?

– What were their most significant challenges, and how did they overcome them? Can I learn from this?

– What did they value most in life? Do I have similar values? How do my values differ?

3. Connect with Your Inner Voice

As you reflect and connect with your ancestors in the above exercise, you may notice your own inner voice coming through. 

Allow yourself some time to connect with your own inner guidance – whether that’s in meditation, on your mat in yoga, outside taking a walk, or even while you shower.

Sometimes our inner voice is so gentle. So quiet. That it can go unheard. As you take this time to intentionally listen, notice as well how your body and breath respond. 

Is your breath starting to quicken?

Can you slow it down and become more intentional with your breath?

Are you noticing a sensation in any part of your body?

Can you bring all your awareness to that part of the body and just allow it to be?

Do you notice you’re clenching or tightening in any part of your body?

Can you intentionally release that tension and allow each muscle to relax?

4. Get into Your Body

One of the best ways to begin healing is to simply move the energy throughout your body. 

Go for a walk. 

Practice Yoga. 

Go for a swim. 

Practice breathwork.

Take an exercise class.

Truly, any movement that feels good will help. In nature, animals are shown to intentionally create movement through shaking after experiencing something anxiety or fear-based – like outrunning a predator. Humans aren’t much different. As our emotions get stored in our bodies, we need ways to quite literally move it out.

Here are some simple yoga asanas you can practice at any time to help you connect to and heal your ancestral line:

Child’s Pose

Create as much space between your knees as you’d like and allow your hips to sink 

toward your heels. Allow your forehead to rest on a block, bolster, pillow, or the mat. 

Place your hands overhead or alongside you. 

Pigeon Pose

Option 1: Bring your right knee behind your right wrist. Your right ankle can come behind 

your left wrist, or tuck it by your left hip bone. Your chest can stay lifted or you can allow 

your chest to come to the mat, resting your head on your hands, a block, or pillow. 

Option 2: Lay on your back. Rest your right ankle onto your left knee, into a Figure 4 

shape. Push your right knee away to open the hip. You can also bring your knees to your 

chest to increase the stretch.

Easy Pose

A simple, seated posture as you find stillness is always an option to connect, deepen, 

and heal. You’ll want to focus on comfort in your hips, knees, and breath, while you 

elongate the spine. You can sit on a bolster, pillow, or chair to help this happen.

Candlelight Yoga

Healing in community is transformative and powerful. And it’s a little less intimidating. 

To honor our connections with past, present, and future, and to honor ourselves during this time, we’ve intentionally curated a special class this Monday evening for you to connect within. 

Join us this Monday evening for a special 90-minute class, holding space for all of the ebbs & flows of emotion this time brings. Holding space for you. And whatever you need that to be.