I woke up this morning remembering a deeply moving experience that reminded me of the profound impact of connecting with our ancestral lineage and the transformative power of ritual. Allow me to share this journey with you.
During a sunrise ritual on the sacred waters of Varanasi, I found myself aboard a boat, surrounded by the ancient whispers of tradition. The priest guiding the ceremony offered us a poignant invitation: to honor any ancestors we wished to connect with. In that moment, I called upon the spirits of my father and sister and extended a heartfelt invitation to all ancestors willing to join.
Ancestor Ritual on the Ganges, 2016
As I opened myself to the experience, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection envelop me. Despite the cultural differences, I sensed my ancestors' presence, their joy at being remembered transcending time and tradition. It was a powerful affirmation of the enduring bond between past and present, and the profound influence our ancestors continue to hold in our lives.
This experience reaffirmed my belief in the intricate web of connection that binds us to our lineage. Through rituals of remembrance and healing, we can honor our ancestors, acknowledge the patterns—both positive and negative—that have shaped us, and embark on a journey of transformation.
I invite you to explore the richness of your own ancestral heritage, to embrace the rituals that resonate with your soul, and to embark on a journey of healing and self-discovery. Whether you seek to release inherited patterns that no longer serve you or to deepen your connection with your ancestral roots, know that you are not alone.
As a practitioner dedicated to guiding individuals on their path to ancestral healing, I am here to offer support and guidance. Together, we can unravel the threads of the past, restructure the present, and pave the way for a brighter future.
In celebration of my father and mother's birthdays this week, I will be honoring their memory through some of my favorite rituals—a meal of their favorite foods, a bouquet of flowers just because my mother loved flowers, a song or two that we sang together, and moments of quiet remembrance.
May this serve as a gentle reminder of the power of ancestral connection and the transformative potential of ritual in our lives. In this way, we empower ourselves and the future generations.
Watch this video on honoring ancestors in Varanasi with Jai Varadaraj and me.
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With love and gratitude,
Barbara