Time to bring forth our own unique medicine

Excerpt from the Keynote Speech by Verona Spence-Adofo at the Embodying Decolonial Freedoms virtual event & panel discussion on the intersections of decolonized healing, African Spirituality and Ancestral Ways of Knowing. (Jan 2023)

You are here! Meaning that the voice inside was calling so strongly and loudly that it could no longer be ignored. The ancestors called you to reconnect to their ways and you followed your spirit. It’s beautiful to witness so many reconnecting to this ancient wisdom as collectively we yearn for deeper knowledge.

That’s why these teachings are significant, they are not isolated facts separate from us, but a culmination of wisdom accumulated over time by our ancestors studying the cosmos and our environment. Gaining universal understanding of natural cycles, phenomena and our connection and involvement with this divine orchestra. So, with this wisdom we are not limited to these physical bodies, we are far greater! That is empowering! That is nourishing information as these teachings actually provide the opportunity to understand and learn about ourselves!

Our ancestors are not separate from us. We are the living embodiment of them as their essence exists within our own DNA. Their memories, guidance and experiences all exist within us, and we can tap into that knowledge base. Why would we intentionally deny ourselves the gift of being able to draw upon such a wealth of wisdom?

But that is the impact of the colonial legacy that designed to keep us away from our power source and true potential.

By tapping into our ancestral story, we can gain deeper insight into who we are. As the more we learn and understand about them, the more we learn about ourselves.

We can begin to identify personality traits, knowledge, beliefs, behaviours and actions that we embody until this very day, that’s not necessarily our own. This level of muti-generational self-reflection allows us to recognise and understand how complex we are as multifaceted spiritual beings. This process allows us to heal and by doing so we ground ourselves, like roots penetrating in the soil, we create a strong foundation built by knowledge of self.

When we stand strong in our foundation, we become a force to be reckoned with. Oppressive structures cease to have the same hold over us, as we know that we have a spiritual army that is always working with us.

This ultimately changes our perspective of reality as we realise, we are never alone and that we are capable of so much more than we would have ever previously imagined.

This doesn’t absolve us from experiencing difficult periods or challenges, but these ancient wisdoms provide tools for us to implement and work through situations we may face, ultimately allowing us to shift our state of mind from helplessness to self-empowerment, through the support of our ancestors and spiritual forces.

We can’t speak about our spiritual traditions without mentioning our relationship with nature…

It is the physical manifestation of the divine spirit, in its various expressions.
It’s our sustenance, so vital to our existence it is the very air we breathe, without it we will no longer survive.
It’s the water that nourishes our very being and surrounds us in the womb when we first enter this world
It also makes up around 70% of our bodies, it’s the earth that provides nutrient rich foods that enable us to live.
It’s the fire that burns providing warmth and opening the gateway between physical and spiritual the realms of existence.

Every element connects with us in some shape or form as they also exist within ourselves. Each has the ability to heal, teach and aid us along lives.

The sacredness of our relationship with nature needs to be restored in order to maintain balance in our world. It is our duty to live in harmony with nature and not against it. This battle that we see against the sacred is a direct result of when colonial structures dominate society, replacing the original nature-centred spiritual ways of life.

The medicine that society needs is found the spiritual teachings of Indigenous cultures across the globe, and it is no coincidence that we have all been incarnated at this time to bring forth our own unique medicine.

Our cultures speak about the concept of destiny and purpose, and it is important that we recognise the divinity within ourselves. We are an extension of the Creative Force that permeates all life and as we begin to recognise the sacred in ourselves, we can begin to see and value our gifts.

May we all honour the unique medicine we possess and share it with the world! Ase!

Written by Verona Spence-Adofo
Ancestral Voices Co-founder

———————————————————–

Note: Embodying Decolonial Freedoms virtual event & panel discussion on the intersections of decolonized healing, African Spirituality and Ancestral Ways of Knowing. (Jan 2023). Organised by Buki Fadipe www.adventuresinom.com