No doubt about it—we are living in scary, unstable, challenging times.
The global consciousness is a steaming smelly stew of fear, discomfort, pain, suffering—as well as hope and visions for the future.
The big question is: Where to focus our attention and intentions? Will we allow ourselves to be dragged down, or will we rise up and overcome?
When I feel weak or fearful, especially about current events, I think about my own ancestors who overcame great challenges—oppressive regimes, world wars, the Great Depression, as well as personal challenges.
My ancestors, not unlike many of your ancestors, came to the United States from other countries, oceans away. They dreamed of a new life and opportunities in a far-off land.
They held those visions, trusting they could make it. They believed that once they arrived, they would find work, make a new life, and raise their families without fearing for their lives as they had in the “old country.”
Today, not unlike our ancestors, we find ourselves on the precipice of great and awe-inspiring change—epic upheaval the likes we have not seen in a long time. The Peruvian shamans I trained with call it a pachacuti—a great turning over, a reset.
The COVID-19 pandemic has left no one untouched. Climate change threatens the existence of all life on earth. Societal and political division, injustices, racism—each of these issues individually is serious enough, together they create a perfect storm.
We are One. Therefore, what affects one of us, affects all of us.
We must address all of the systems and structures that have been in place for eons. They are no longer working and have not worked for all the people, and all life on earth, for a very long time. For some humans, greed has overtaken their ability to consider the greater good.
All of this combined can feel overwhelming.
Due to past trauma, many of us may feel overwhelmed with emotions and adversity causing us to freeze and feel helpless or powerless. I certainly feel that way at times.
Fear lowers my energetic vibration, and reduces my immune system. In order to help myself and my community, I must rise up to the higher vibrations of joy, peace, harmony, love, and hope.
Sometimes I think I have to do this all by myself and the load feels heavy. But then I remember I am not alone. There is always help and hope, both in the physical and in the spiritual realms.
Remember, we are not being asked to do anything more challenging or more difficult than our own ancestors did.
This is why commitment to spiritual practices and prayer is so important and powerful.
Shamans not only pray to Great Spirit; they also call upon the ancestors and the spirits to assist them in the present. They know the ancestors are willing to help, if they ask.
We live in a “free-will zone,” so we must ask for help from God, our Angels, the Ancestors or anyone we want to access.
Through asking, you have the ability to tap into the power, fortitude, grit, determination, and vision of your own ancestors.
Your ancestors love you; they are your people. They share your DNA, and you have a direct connection with them. In fact, they are the reason you are here. They walked this earth and can help you on your life journey.
How to Tap into Ancestral Strength:
Open sacred space—call on your guides, guardians, angels, God.
Then, call forth your ancestors, those strong, formidable souls who crossed oceans on faith of finding a new life in a new world. Remember, they did not have anything to go on. They did not have the resources or technology we have today.
Yet, they stepped forward in faith and made it happen. You are proof of that! You are walking, talking proof of their faith and determination, of their formidable will.
As you would ask your angels or God for help, ask your ancestors. Ask them, “What is the next best thing for me to do, both in my personal life and about the things that concern me, such as the climate crisis?”
Pray. Ask for help. Ask for guidance. Ask for what you need. Do this daily. You can create ancestral altars—an altar or place of reverence for your ancestors where you can place their pictures along with flowers or a candle to honor them. Notice the signs that may come from the ancestors. Give gratitude.
I hear many people saying they can’t wait to return to the way life was before the pandemic. I’m not sure that will or can happen. Remember we were created with eyes in front of our heads, not behind our heads, because we are always moving forward not backward.
We are being given a great opportunity, as the shamans say, to dream our world into being—to clear out all that has not worked and create what will work for all of us, for the greater good.
We must collectively and individually hold the vision of the future we want for our children, grandchildren, and seven generations to come. One day, we will be the ancestors.
What do you want for your great-great-great-great-great-great-grandchildren? Peace on Earth? Enough for all? Health and well-being for all? A sustainably healthy planet? Dream BIG! Dream their world into being.
