Take Refuge in Spiritual Ancestors

Christiane Vleugels "Aphrodite"

We've answered the question—what do you take refuge in—what gives you comfort, based on the last blog article, Take Refuge. I've heard a variety of responses; one of my favorites from a lovely woman, who in trying times will ask, “What’s perfect about this moment?” She then will switch her focus to all the things for which she’s grateful. Gratitude is one of her North Stars, it’s a refuge and guiding light.

Next up is an exploration of generating and taking refuge in one’s spiritual ancestors—the people who show you the way on your path; they can be alive or dead (IC Truth #2—Energy never dies it just changes  form). For me the list of inspiring spiritual ancestors is lengthy: Thich Nhat Hahn, Joan of Arc, Mother Mary, Rumi, Hildegard von Bingen, Martin Luther King, Jr, Abe Lincoln, Jesus, Mary Magdalene, Buddha, Kuan Yin/Tara….

• Who are your spiritual ancestors?
• What are the attributes they possess that you value?

A poetic way of exploring refuge in spiritual ancestors is to say—know to whom and what you belong. These people and attributes are concrete safety points that hold, sustain and regenerate us in times of need.  The other day I had a reflection of this concept while driving on a busy road.  I was driving through a school safety zone, decelerating in a line of cars going 25 mph. A father and young daughter were walking together beside this busy road. Dad was shielding daughter from the cars, his body providing an alert and attentive barrier, yet he smiled while she held his hand and chatted animatedly while skipping along, oblivious to her dad’s watchful concentration. I was reminded of the ancestors, whose protective attention is ours to engage. I've felt this attentiveness all my life, it’s been something I can’t rightly explain or articulate, but I feel it every day, and I take refuge in their love and care. I generate a connection consciously and frequently.

This week, I look forward to exploring spiritual ancestors. Who are your spiritual ancestors? What are the attributes they possess that you value? Contact me, slip me a line or an email so we can discuss one of my favorite practices—generating and taking refuge in spiritual ancestors.