family constellation

21
Dec
2020
Finding the Light During the Darkest Night

Finding the Light During the Darkest Night

Winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere this year occurred on Monday December 21, 2020 at 5:02am EST. It is the celebration of the Light representing death and rebirth, as the old Sun dies and the Sun of the new year is born on the longest night of the year. The word “solstice” comes from the Latin word sol (sun) and sistere (to stand still). It has been observed and celebrated in cultures all over the world for thousands of years. It represents surviving hardship, turning a corner, and welcoming brighter days ahead.

 

HONORING OUR ANCESTORS

The Winter Solstice and holidays also marks an important time for remembering and connecting with family and loved ones and honoring ancestors. Many of the customs, symbols, and rituals associated with Christmas are actually connected to Winter Solstice celebrations of the holidays or ‘holy days’ of ancient Pagan cultures. These rituals, traditions, and stories exist to remind us of deeper truths.

For many people the holidays this year may be an emotionally challenging time, given cautions around family and friends gathering together, and especially for those who may be mourning the loss of loved ones. Through remembering our inner Light, we can also remember and connect to the light and love of our deceased loved ones and our ancestors who passed their light and love onto us.

 

RECONNECT TO THE LIGHT OF YOUR SOUL

This has been a difficult year for all of us, but the solstice reminds us that brighter days await us. But rather than waiting for the light to shine on us, we have to embrace the darkness around us and find the light within. The dark days during this time of year are a powerful time for turning within inviting reflection, renewal, and reconnecting to the light of your soul. The solstice is a time in the year when it’s the darkest, so we have to trust the cycle, embrace the shift, and go inward to access our light. The changing light is part of the rhythm of what it means to be human.

Sometimes we can’t do this work of turning inward on our own. We need the presence of another human being to accompany us on that journey inward to help us find our power and light. Someone to remind us that darkness and shifting cycles are inevitable, but we all have the power within ourselves to overcome obstacles.

As we turn this corner, we head into a new era filled with light and hope. It is at this darkest moment that we know it will only get lighter. It is not always easy to see the light and find hope. If you need support, I am here for you. Contact me to get guidance and support, and to find your inner light.

“Solstice means “sun stands still,” as if the warmth and radiance of life itself hangs in the balance at critical points in the course of planetary existence. When the world becomes darker, the inner light of the soul becomes more important.”

~ Michael Meade

Posted by Kim Ann Clay in Family Constellation, Psychotherapy
17
Sep
2020
Connecting to Your Ancestral Lineages

Connecting to Your Ancestral Lineages

As these late summer days turn toward fall, you may find yourself feeling weary and perhaps overwhelmed at times with the prolonged state of uncertainty and unrest that continues to unfold in the world. Our lives have changed in so many unexpected ways. Thoughts of “risk” and “safety” are at the forefront of our minds for so many of us as we navigate new ways for social contact and connection with loved ones. Some are adjusting to too much alone time, and others are adjusting to not enough alone time.

 

LISTEN TO YOUR MIND, BODY, AND SOUL

This extended global “time out” has created the space for many of us to slow down and practice tuning into ourselves. Notice where you need help – is it with internal conflict? Do you have challenging thoughts during this time of chaos? Do you feel out of balance within your family? How has this new way of living affected your relationships with family members? Are you more disconnected with your family or more immersed with them? What areas of your life have been affected and need healing? Listen to what your mind, body, and soul are telling you. 

 

MEDITATION AS A POWERFUL SOURCE OF INNER PEACE 

As we are forced to turn inwards, we are cultivating a connection to our body, breath, and a deeper part of our being – our soul consciousness. This connection to our deeper, intuitive soul-self can grow and evolve through consistent and steady meditation practices. It can become a powerful resource for navigating times of stress and anxiety as well as become a powerful source of nourishment and inner peace.

One of my daily meditation practices includes remembering and connecting to my ancestors – those who came before me and who passed on the thread of life to me through my ancestral lineages. This is a powerful way to cultivate a sense of being connected to something larger than yourself. It creates an opening to receive the gifts and blessings from our ancestors as a source of nourishment and support in our life.  

 

ANCESTRAL MEDITATION: A RITUAL OF REMEMBERING
  • Find a quiet and comfortable place to ground and center yourself.
  • Take a few moments to connect to your body and to deepen your breath.
  • Focus your awareness and your breath into your heart center.
  • Cultivate the feeling of love by thinking about someone who you love; a family member, friend, or pet.
  • Invite a connection to your ancestors by remembering their names (silently speaking their names) within your heart space. Begin with your parents then move back through your maternal lineage and paternal lineage as far as you can remember. Don’t worry if you can’t remember specific names. The act of remembering your ancestors and their place in your family lineage awakens your connection to them. 
  • Ask your ancestors for their wisdom and guidance around an issue that you may need support with in your life right now. Be open to receive their wisdom and blessings. 
  • Take some time to reflect on any guidance that came through for you. 
  • You may also want to spend some time journaling your thoughts and feelings. 
  • Know that you can return to this heart based connection with your ancestors anytime through this ritual of remembering.

 

This connection with our ancestral lineages allows for deep healing and transformation for ourselves within our families. Learn more about family constellation work or contact Kim to work one-on-one with her to deepen your connection with your past and nourish your soul.

Posted by Kim Ann Clay in Family Constellation