“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. ”
Do you feel the sacredness in the reaching?
“Bridging Your Past and Future” (which also happens to be the title of my book that is currently out in paperback on Amazon) is how I put into words the “continuum” that Tsongas is speaking of.
As I have worked with sharing my story and my mission I have been asked by others about why “preserving the past for the present” is so important to me. I know that it goes so much deeper than looking for stories in my parents words. It is actually a value that was passed down to me by my family who embedded an innate sense of wonder and interest in the sacred stories of the family members that lived before us.
For as long as I can remember, my grandparents, parents, aunts, and uncles shared stories about their memories of previous generations, their childhoods, and even their early adult experiences. Sometimes this came in the form of shared stories around the dining room table and other times it came in the forma of bedtime stories as they were tucking me in. Maybe an old picture prompted a story or a favorite teacup led to a memory - what ever the prompt - in our family the stories could be found everywhere!
One of the seven steps I teach in Preserve Your Past! Write Your Stories is setting the stage and connecting to the story. This might include putting on some relaxing music, lighting a candle, and reflecting or meditating on a topic. I decided to do the same with this quote and brainstormed all of the reasons why I personally reach back or ahead. Today I share with you what came to the surface for me:
I reach back to my ancestors:
To learn from the wisdom and lessons of their varied life experiences (both the good and the bad), many of which are universal.
To feel connection to a continuum of the lineage of past to present lives.
To emphasize that each life mattered and played some part in my current life circumstances.
To assure that no one who has passed is forgotten.
To memorialize the family and friends who made a difference in my life and allow me to impact my future.
To demonstrate my belief that the souls of our ancestors are energy that continues on after death, even in our own cellular makeup.
To continue to feel the love of loved ones no longer with me.
I reach ahead to my children:
To pass along the wisdom and lessons of my past and present.
To help them feel connected to something bigger than themselves.
To foster the knowledge that their life matters and will also echo on for generations to come.
To share my passion for memorializing my loved ones that they may do the same with their stories.
To remind them that even when I am gone, I will be with them.
How about you, when you read that quote, what comes to mind? What compels you to reach backwards to your ancestors or forwards to your children? Please comment below!
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