Today I'm going to lead you through an ancestor meditation.
A Chinese proverb once said,
To forget one's ancestors is to be a brook without a source,
A tree without a root.
As we begin this meditation,
I want you to bring to your mind's eye an image or a name of an ancestor that you'd like to dedicate this meditation to.
Your intention today,
Your sankalpa,
Is to this ancestor.
And whether you want to say their name aloud right now,
Just silently say the name to yourself,
Maybe bring an image of that person.
Now let's find a comfortable seat.
So you're laying down or sitting upright and take several deep breaths.
Feel your body expand and contract with your breath.
Begin to tune inwards.
Feel your seat rooted to the earth,
To the ground.
And imagine your seat being rooted too deep down into the earth,
Deep down to the ancestors and the ancestors of the land.
At the same time,
Feel the crown lift towards the sky,
Towards the heavens.
And sitting tall and erect,
Being rooted and grounded as well as lifted and inspired.
Begin to feel a glowing light around your heart.
See it,
Sense it,
Note its warmth.
Start to go inward,
Tune in towards your heart.
Go into the heart.
You've entered a beautiful,
Sacred space.
Imagine the sacred space in your mind's eye.
It may be a space in your home or a childhood home,
Family member's home,
A church,
A temple,
A place in nature,
A place you visited on vacation,
Or saw an image once.
It's sacred to you and that's what matters.
And in this sacred space,
Note a candle being lit.
Begin to look into the flame.
Breathe into the flame.
Internally repeat the name of your ancestor you dedicated this meditation to.
As you look softly at this candle,
Imagine your ancestor slowly approaching.
Greet your ancestor,
Whether with a smile or a hug,
A nod or a kiss on the cheek.
Thank your ancestor for being here,
For the life they lived to set the foundation for yours.
Thank your ancestor for watching over you.
Silently,
Sweetly say to them,
I appreciate you.
I honor you.
Thank you.
And now bring to your mind's eye a question you can ask your ancestor.
Acknowledge the wisdom that you seek.
Give some moments to ask this question and listen into the answer.
Is there anything left they have to tell you?
Listen.
Thank them once again.
They're always available.
Offer any goodbyes.
And then silently start to walk away.
Back to the candle.
Begin to breathe.
What's the sensations?
Feel the warmth there.
Sense it.
And gently bring yourself back to the room.
May our ancestors always be with us.
We know their wisdom is always accessible to us.
And may we be the descendants that carry their name,
Their love,
And our service onto the world.
May it be so.
Thank you.
