The Ancient Lineage That Connects Us All: Embracing Our Ancestral Roots

Have you ever considered the odds of you being here—alive on this Earth, right now?
Those who study this kind of thing say it’s about 1 in 400 trillion. 

That’s how rare and extraordinary you are.

Since my own mother died eight years ago, on Mother’s Day, I visit the woods—letting Mother Nature hold me while I receive her gifts. Maybe you’ve felt that pull too: to be somewhere quiet, connected, held by something older and wiser.

I was lucky to have a creative, remarkable mother. Your memories may be different. I hope like mine, they contained kitchen tables, warmth on a dreary day, and the quiet joy of being treasured. 

My mom died unexpectedly, and if you’ve experienced that kind of loss, you know how it lingers, regardless of the nature of your relationship. 

Two weeks before she died, my soul-friend, Debbie, invited me to walk the labyrinth in Orkney Springs. As I stepped onto the path, I began to feel time folding backwards. Each step took me further back—through my own birth, to my mother’s, then her mother’s, and on, into millennia.

I could somehow sense women who had lived such complex lives, so that I could be here. Women in caves, in forests, in cities. Women who gave birth in pain and in love. Women who were cherished, and others who were never seen.

And now me, and you, are here because of all of them.

Like me, maybe you haven’t birthed children. Or maybe you have. Either way, you’re still part of the great lineage of life, a thread woven from thousands of generations.

Here’s a tiny but mighty 3-minute practice to help you remember what brought you here:

• Step outside, if you can. Let your body relax. Notice the world—leaves greening, bees humming, something blooming near your feet.

• Let yourself wonder: how many lifetimes made it possible for you to stand here now?

• Feel the ground beneath you—bones, roots, stories that you stand on. All of it is holding you up.

It’s said that 10,000 generations of women came before you. You are not an accident.

You were made for this moment.

Whatever this day holds for you—joy, grief, or something in between—I hope you can feel the strength and love that brought you here.

Happy Mother’s Day.
You were meant to be here.
Held by love, by lineage, and by life itself.

The Power of Ancestral Connection

Connecting with your ancestors can have a profound impact on your life and well-being. This can be both an emotional process and a beautiful one. It’s amazing to think about what every woman in your lineage went through and how their experience resulted in you being on this earth at this moment.

By acknowledging and honoring your ancestral roots, you can:

• Deepen your sense of identity: Understanding your ancestral heritage can help you develop a stronger sense of self and connection to your roots. We live in a time where so many people feel lost. This can be a beautiful way to start figuring out more about who you are.

• Find guidance and wisdom: Your ancestors can serve as a source of guidance and wisdom, offering valuable insights and lessons learned from their experiences. We only have the knowledge of the time we live in, but imagine what you could do with the ancient, passed-down knowledge.

• Cultivate a sense of belonging: Connecting with your ancestors can help you feel a sense of belonging to a larger community and cultural heritage. With everything revolving around the internet and social media (things that were meant to bring us together), most people say they feel more lonely than ever. Your ancestors love and support you unconditionally; they can provide you with a deep sense of belonging that you’re currently missing.

• Heal from past traumas: Acknowledging and honoring your ancestors can also be a powerful way to heal from past traumas and break cycles of negative patterns. Your ancestors have most likely experienced a great deal of trauma and have advanced knowledge in healing. This can also be how you heal your own lineage.

• Develop a greater appreciation for tradition: Connecting with your ancestors can help you appreciate the traditions and cultural practices that have been passed down through generations.

By exploring your ancestral connection, you can tap into a rich source of wisdom, guidance, and support that can positively impact your life and well-being.

Honoring Your Ancestors

Honoring your ancestors is a meaningful way to acknowledge their impact on your life and continue the legacy of your ancestral heritage. Whether you like it or not, your ancestors paved the way for you to become who you are today. Mother’s Day is a beautiful time to honor the women who came before you.

Here are some ways to honor your ancestors:

• Create an ancestral altar: Set up a dedicated space in your home to honor your ancestors, featuring photos, mementos, and other meaningful objects.

• Perform rituals and ceremonies: Develop personal rituals or ceremonies to honor your ancestors, such as lighting candles, saying prayers, or making offerings.

• Research your family history: Learn more about your ancestors and their experiences, and share their stories with others.

• Cook traditional meals: Prepare traditional meals that were enjoyed by your ancestors, and share them with family and friends.

• Visit ancestral sites: Visit places that hold significance to your ancestors, such as their graves, homes, or cultural sites.

By honoring your ancestors, you can:

• Show respect and gratitude: Acknowledge the sacrifices and contributions of your ancestors.

• Preserve cultural heritage: Keep alive the traditions, stories, and cultural practices of your ancestors.

• Deepen your connection: Strengthen your bond with your ancestors and your cultural heritage.

Honoring your ancestors is a powerful way to connect with your roots and continue the legacy of your ancestral heritage.

Reflection Questions

1. How do you feel connected to your ancestors, and what role do they play in your life?

2. In what ways can you honor and acknowledge your ancestors, and what benefits might this bring to your life?

3. How can recognizing the ancient lineage that connects us all impact your relationships with others and your understanding of the world?