"We envision a world in which we live and grow as One Global Family that respects and honors the interconnectedness of all life; a world where this kinship with all life prospers and connects through the guidance of spiritual wisdom and experience."
Centers for Spiritual Living - Global Vision
This week we are invited to take time to honor those who have made an impact in our life and/or the lives of others. There are so many different ways we learn from those around us, be it family, friends, a pet, a teacher, someone in history, our favorite babysitter, a favorite author, artists, our next door neighbor... the list could go on and on. Chances are, what ever your age, you can think of at least one person who has impacted your life in a loving or memorable way. As I type these words my Oma (grandmother) comes to mind. She taught me many things over the course of our relationship and I am forever grateful for the gifts of life she shared with me.
Take a moment to think about someone in your life that has made an impact in your life. What is/was it about them that left an impression. Was it their kindness, their humor, their laughter, their light? Put your hand over your heart and say their name and feel the warmth well up in you in gratitude of the gift they are or have been for you.
"People will walk in and out of your life, but the one whose footstep made a long lasting impression is the one you should never allow to walk out." Michael Bassey Johnson.
Each of us has a lineage, an ancestry or a culture of which we are a part. Some families have a huge family tree that they can trace back through generations of time. Others have new families that form new branches that may include friends and pets.
Our names often reflect our lineage. There is power in our name. In some situations we may decide to change our name to helps us feel more of who we truly are. We give our pets names that often reflect their personalities.
Do you know what the origin of your name is? For fun, do a little project this week to find out the origin of your name. You can use your first, middle or last or all three or more if you have more! Find out all the things you can about your name and then draw a picture of you from the things you've learned.
"Beauty exists not in what is seen and remembered, but in what is felt and never forgotten. Jonathan Jena
Honoring those that have gone before us is another way to pay our respect to our ancestors or those who have impacted our life. Many faith traditions have special celebrations to honor those who have passed on.
"Silently, one by one, in the infinite meadows of heaven, blossomed the lovely stars, the forget-me-nots of the angels." Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
What if you started a family history night? One night a week, or a month, or a special time in the year, gather together and share a story about a member of your family that has made their transition. What was it about this person that you remember, what story would you like to pass on. What gift would you want your children or grandchildren to know about their family history or heritage? Take turns telling stories. It doesn't have to be about a family member... it could be a really close friend or a family trip or vacation. You could do this with family pets too, remembering the silly things they would do or the way they made you feel.
"It's the journey that matters, soak it in. Learn lessons out of it. Impact positively so that if you never get to your destination, at least you'd leave a legacy to be remembered." Emem Uko
Here is a short video from BBC Radio on Confusion Ancestor Worship
Affirmations for the week:
I honor myself by honoring the heritage of those who came before me.
I remember with gratitude the lives of my ancestors.
I see you, I remember you, I thank you.
The God in me, see's and honors the God in you.
Meditations:
Guided mediation on Self-Love and Self Acceptance from Mile High Chruch
(Affirmative prayer)
For something completely different. This is a movement activity from Brain Breaks.
Music: A few oldies to get your body moving.
Sister Sledge - We are Family - with lyrics
Respect Yourself - The Staple Singers
Everyday People - Jack Johnson - Jason Maraz - Keb Mo with lots of children
Books:
The Museum by Susan Verde - art by Peter H Reynolds
Inspiration through the creative genius of famous works of art.
The Keeping Quilt - by Patricia Polaco
The Memory Tree - by Britta Techentrup
Creativity!
This week you are invited to check out - Susanverde.com! (not a hyper link)
Susan's website is full of wonderful things to check out and activity guides, there is even a section of meditations and yoga! Under the tab books you find links to free teacher guides and activities.
Have a wonderful rest of the month! I'm taking a break over Memorial Weekend and will be back in June with more spiritual inspiration.
Love and Blessings ~ Susan Robinson, RScP
(Shout out of gratitude to Julia Kadel, Rajiv Perera and Johnny Cohen photographers from Unsplash.com)
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