How Can I be a Good Ancestor? A New Coaching and Walking Offering

Dear Subscriber First Name

In Japan, during the months of July and August, many Obon festivals are being held. During these three-day events, to honor the spirits of one’s ancestors, one typically visits their place of rest, clean their graves, and refresh their altars at home. And as you honor your ancestors, you are also invited to reflect on your role as a future ancestor.

Inquiries and examples about what it means to be a good ancestor have been appearing in my awareness more and more frequently these past few months.
For example, I notice renowned conservationist Jane Goodall’s visit to the Bay Area this month to celebrate her 90th birthday with Climate One founder, Greg Dalton, at the Commonwealth Club of San Francisco where she will be talking about three intertwined crises: biodiversity loss, climate change and environmental inequity.

Also, as part of a We Are the Great Turning podcast circle I am leading, I listen to 95 years old legendary eco-spiritual teacherJoanna Macy, her wisdom inspiring us to take action for The Great Turning. The Great Turning is the term she has coined to describe the paradigm shift that we have to embrace to move away from the Great Unraveling or Business As Usual, and envision a just and life-sustaining society for future generations.

These two women are not just “good” ancestors. They are amazing warriors who have fought tirelessly to preserve life on Earth. They exemplify what Dogen, the 13th century Zen founder, calls robai-shin or grandmother mind, the mind of great compassion.