Venerating Ancestors

In this episode of Be Gentle, I’m reflecting on lineage, spirituality, ancestor veneration, and the personal practice of honoring those who came before us. I share how creating an altar for my mother after her passing eventually became a space where I connected with the women in my lineage, brought my joy and my grief, and simply sat with those who came before me. We explore the difference between worship, prayer, remembrance, and simply acknowledging that our lives are connected to people and stories that existed long before us. Because maybe venerating our ancestors isn’t always about asking for protection or blessings. Maybe sometimes it’s simply saying: I know you were here. I know you lived. I know your life mattered. And maybe there’s something powerful about realizing that you are not the beginning of your story. You’re part of a much longer one. Be gentle with yourself. We are spiritual beings having a human experience.