Living Ancestors: Walking with Wisdom

Honoring the Guides Who Shape Our Paths

When we think of “ancestors,” it’s easy to imagine only those who have passed on. We picture family lines stretching back through time, or cultural figures whose stories helped shape the world we now live in. Yet there’s another layer to ancestry that is often overlooked: our Living Ancestors.

Living Ancestors may be people of blood, such as elders in our families whose wisdom has been gathered through decades of lived experience. They may also be teachers, mentors, artists, activists, or community members whose influence has guided our choices, shaped our values, and inspired our steps along the path. Some we know personally. Others we’ve never met, but their words, their creations, and their lives have left an imprint on ours.

For a long time, I assumed that “ancestor” meant older. The word itself carries the weight of lineage, time, and the long arc of life. But then I realized something that shifted my understanding: Living Ancestors can also be younger than we are. A child who sees the world with fresh eyes, a student who asks the unanswerable question, or a younger colleague whose bravery sparks change—all can embody the ancestral role of showing us new ways forward. Ancestry is not just about age; it is about impact. Sometimes those who come after us illuminate truths we were not yet able to see.

Acknowledging our Living Ancestors, whether older or younger, is an act of both gratitude and awareness. It grounds us in the truth that we are not moving through life alone. Nor are we creating in a vacuum. Every path we walk has been opened, cleared, or expanded by someone before us or beside us. They may not have walked the exact same road, but their courage, curiosity, or resilience made space for ours.

This recognition changes how we navigate our present. It can remind us to walk with humility, knowing we inherit strengths and struggles alike. It can also help us cultivate discernment, learning from what worked, what failed, and what still needs tending. By honoring our Living Ancestors, we acknowledge that our growth is relational. We become part of a lineage of story, creativity, and transformation that continues to unfold. 

Practical ways to begin:

• Name them. Speak or write the names of those who have influenced your journey, whether they share your DNA or not.

• Notice across generations. Look for the wisdom and influence not only in your elders, but also in those younger who may be carrying new light.

• Share their stories. Tell others how their work or example has shaped you. This keeps their contributions alive and relevant.

• Practice gratitude. A simple ritual of thanks—silent or spoken—honors the connections that sustain you.

• Engage with their presence. Let their guidance, challenges, and inspiration actively inform the way you live today.

Recognizing our Living Ancestors is not simply about honoring the past or shaping the future. It is about acknowledging the ongoing influence, guidance, and conversation that surrounds us in every moment. Their presence is woven into the paths we walk, the choices we make, and the ways we relate to the world. In this way, our lives become a shared story, continuously written with those who have walked beside us, those who walk with us now, and those who inspire us from unexpected places.

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