We are the Future Ancestors
Rewilding Our Legacy
“The Peacemaker taught us about the Seven Generations. He said, when you sit in council for the welfare of the people, you must not think of yourself or of your family, not even of your generation. He said, make your decisions on behalf of the seven generations coming, so that they may enjoy what you have today."
Oren Lyons - Faithkeeper of the Onondaga Nation
I was lucky enough to have a father who believed this with every fiber of his being. He taught me early on that to make decisions in life, not just for me, my family, or my son, but for generations that I will never meet, is what will create the greatest legacy that we can leave for others after our short time here on earth.
What’s brought this on you might ask?
I just looked at my Instagram and Facebook feed and realized that it is absolutely inundated with pictures of my grandson and what occurred to me immediately was that this is how it should be.
This is what is valuable to me in this next chapter of my life…
…what is beautiful and real to me.
I’m lucky, my kids are close and most every morning what you see in these pictures is my job, my work, my passion. Yet I’m not alone! Jim and I laugh because whenever we walk down the street with Wolfie, we see pairs of grandparents all day long, caring for their grandkids just like we are. I am glad that the world is turning in a way that allows for this, allows for grandparents to be a part of their grandchildren’s lives in such a wonderful way. I am grateful to have the opportunity to be able to share myself and in turn the ancestors that Wolfie will never know except through me. I’m so grateful that my kids trust me to care for the one who is the most precious to them.
However, that leads me to another sobering thought…
…that we are the future ancestors and what we teach our grandchildren, what we are sharing with them and what they absorb from this experience is what will impact our world 7 generations out.
The lessons we impart through the examples we set for our grandchildren today will ripple through time, shaping the world for generations to come. It is a humbling responsibility, but one that fills me with a sense of purpose, committed determination, and in some way a real sense of pride, and joy. This is why I’m spending my time teaching Wolfie to cook real and slow food, to garden and forage safely, to love music and animals, to paint, and to wander the woods. But in all of this, and by example, to be kind - and in doing so to experience the wonder and joys of generosity.
Our children are indeed watching us closely, observing how we navigate the world and how we earn a living. It is our responsibility to question what we are showing them about the importance of earning a good living and the impact it has on the world around us.
As we look ahead to the future, we cannot ignore the reality of climate change and the instability it brings. Our children will undoubtedly inherit a world that is vastly different from the one we know today. The decisions we make and the values we instill in them now will directly impact how they navigate and shape their lives in the face of these challenges.
We must teach them the importance of considering the welfare of future generations, just as the Peacemaker taught us. We must encourage them to think beyond themselves, their immediate family, and even their own generation. We must inspire them to make decisions that benefit the seven generations to come, so that they too can enjoy the blessings we have today.
It is our duty to show them that there is more to success than just financial gain. We must teach them the value of living in harmony with the Earth and all its inhabitants. We do this when we lead by example, by living a life that is mindful of our impact on the environment and by making choices that prioritize sustainability and conservation.
We can teach them the importance of connection, both with nature and with their fellow human beings. We can show them the power of empathy, compassion, and kindness. By nurturing these qualities in our children, we are equipping them with the tools they need to navigate a world that is increasingly complex and uncertain.
As we spend time with our grandchildren, we can impart wisdom and knowledge that has been passed down through generations. We can show them the beauty of nature and the importance of caring for the land and each other. We can encourage their creativity and curiosity, allowing them to explore and discover their passions.
An Opportunity for Rewilding
Ultimately, we must strive to be the ancestors who leave a legacy of love, wisdom, and compassion. By doing so, we are ensuring that the future generations inherit a world that is nurtured and cherished. This is the essence of rewilding - not just reconnecting with nature, but also reconnecting with our own humanity and the values that will guide us towards a better future.
May we continue to question, to be curious, and to teach through our demonstration, which is the way that our children and grandchildren learn from us in their early years. Let’s set the example for our children and grandchildren that will most support them so that they may thrive in a world that is shaped by love, wisdom, and compassion.
Make It Your Own!
In the end, we aspire to become the ancestors who leave behind a legacy painted in love, illuminated by wisdom, and forged with compassion. By doing so, we ensure that the generations yet to come inherit a world nurtured and cherished, a world suffused with the essence of rewilding - a world where we not only reconnect with nature but also rediscover the depths of our own humanity and the values that will guide us toward a brighter future.
So, dear reader, I invite you to embark on this timeless journey. Embrace your role as a guiding light for future generations. Make this wisdom your own, weave it into your daily life, and let it ripple through time. Be the ancestor who leaves a legacy of love, wisdom, and compassion. Together, let us shape a world where our children and grandchildren thrive, enveloped in the enduring embrace of love, wisdom, and compassion. Let the spirit of this wisdom warm your heart, inspire your actions, and bring a sense of fulfillment and purpose to your life. As you journey forward, may you too become a beacon of love and wisdom for the generations that follow.
Oh how I love this! Thank you Beth for remind us of the big picture! This is so beautiful! 💖🌟❤️