Knowing who we are involves knowing our roots, knowing our ancestors.

The stories of our ancestors have a powerful influence on us, even when we may not be aware of it.

These can be collective stories of times they grew up and lived in, including wars, famine, poverty and civil unrest.

There can be inspirational people who came before you, people who connected with their purpose and potential, who offer you the wisdom of their lives.

They can also be personal or family traumas, which continue to be passed down through generations, such as death, loss, abuse and persecution.

As Mark Wolynn writes in “It Didn’t Start With You” the experiences of our ancestors can have huge impacts on our current health, physical and emotional wellbeing and upon our spirit.

Occasionally there can be negative influences from our ancestors. It is important that we bring to light the helpful and not-so-helpful energies, so that we have an awareness of what we have been given and can make a conscious choice about what we now want to receive.

Through knowing our history we can become empowered in the world.

If you map out a family tree for yourself, you will see the enormous number of people who have contributed directly to you being here in the world today. Their stories have shaped you, your DNA and your presence in the world, along with many other factors of course.

Generally, I think we have overly minimised the influence of our ancestors in Western culture and become too disconnected from our roots.

If older generations of your family are alive today, ask them about their own birth, life, dreams and difficulties. Do they know stories about previous generations?

It is through this awareness that we grow - we deepen our roots, become aware of our wider “environment” and can blossom with greater freedom and purpose.

When we can unravel the stories of the people who came before us, we can release old patterns, negative influences and uncover the accumulated potential we have been gifted.

Unravel your stories and those of your ancestors with bryony@creativesoultherapies.com