Honour Your Ancestors

Forging your Path Forward by Honouring the Past

I came across a meme some time ago that struck a chord with me. It read: "I don’t owe my ancestors anything; I owe my children everything." This made me sincerely sad. While I wholeheartedly believe in creating a better world for future generations, I also believe that we have a deep responsibility to honor the work, sacrifices, and resilience of the thousands of people who came before us. These ancestors paved the way for us to live in the world as we know it today. Though this time feels rocky, we in the West are living in a period of unprecedented comfort—a privilege that comes with its own weight of responsibility. We are weaving the past and the future together as we move through the present.

By looking back on our ancestry, we gain the ability to better appreciate our past while understanding ourselves on a deeper level. For example, as I dove into the history of the Philippines, I’ve found profound connections to my own life, especially through dance. I’ve always freestyled in ways that felt instinctive, and to my surprise, I’d naturally incorporate martial arts movements without knowing why. Later, I learned that Filipinos under Spanish colonization would hide their martial arts through their dances because the practice of martial arts had been banned. This realization gave my movements new meaning, as though my body was channeling something ancient and deeply rooted in my lineage.

Consider this: If you trace back ten generations, you have over 1,000 ancestors who lived their lives, made choices, and loved deeply, all to lead to your existence. That means over 500 love stories unfolded, each one essential to the creation of who you are today. These aren’t just numbers—they are stories of survival, perseverance, and connection. By imagining the journeys, triumphs, and sacrifices of those ancestors, we begin to see ourselves as part of something far greater than our individual lives.

I also explored pre-colonial Filipino beliefs, which resonated deeply with me. Before the Spanish introduced Catholicism, Filipinos were Animists. They saw signs in nature, believed in magic, and maintained a profound connection with the earth and the spirit world. These practices feel so aligned with what I’ve naturally gravitated toward as I’ve moved beyond the boundaries of my Catholic upbringing. This discovery awakened something authentic within me—a connection to my roots that I didn’t know I needed.

This growing awareness has sparked a desire to travel to Southeast Asia, particularly the Philippines, to uncover more secrets about my ancestry. I want to walk on my motherland, eat the fruit and healing vegetables she grows, swim in her waters, and soak in her sunlight. I want to know how this immersive experience might heal my body and spirit while reconnecting me to the generations that came before me.

Taoist Temple in Cebu

Honoring our ancestors isn’t about living in the past but rather about recognizing the strength, wisdom, and creativity that allowed us to exist here and now. Their stories live within us, shaping how we move through the world and inspiring us to carry their legacy forward. It’s a practice of gratitude and remembrance, but it’s also a practice of self-discovery. When we honor them, we honor ourselves. And in doing so, we leave a stronger foundation for the children who are to come after us.

Here are some reflection questions for you to dive into your own Ancestry exploration:

1. Who are the people in your family that you know the most about? What stories have been passed down about them?

   
   

2. What do you know about your cultural or ancestral heritage? Are there traditions, rituals, or beliefs that have been preserved in your family?

   
   

3. What sacrifices do you think your ancestors might have made to create the opportunities you have today?

   
   

4. If you could meet one ancestor from your family line, who would it be and why?

   
   

5. How do you think the lives and decisions of your ancestors have influenced who you are today?

   
   

6. Are there ways you can incorporate your ancestral heritage into your daily life, such as through food, language, or customs?

   
   

7. How do you feel when you think about the 500+ love stories that contributed to your existence? Does it change how you view yourself or your place in the world?

Let’s not just remember our ancestors; let’s celebrate them by living lives that honor their resilience, love, and strength. As we uncover their stories, we discover the roots that ground us and the wings that allow us to soar. By honoring them, we connect more deeply to who we are and what we’re capable of becoming. Let their perseverance inspire us to create a brighter future for the next generation.

So, as you reflect on your ancestry, take pride in the journey that brought you here. You are the result of countless love stories, dreams, and sacrifices. And now, it’s your turn to shape the story of your life in a way that would make your ancestors proud.

You are the new ancestor. Let's make the future generations proud, and protect this world with everything we have!

One Love Always! Have a great weekend!!

xoxox