This is an invitation to connect to a well ancestor and consult their guidance on pleasure. Whether we are conscious of it or not, we all inherit wisdom from our ancestors. And it's possible they may have some information in regard to our pleasure, or at least, what gets in the way of it. They might also have blessings to offer you, and in turn, you might have blessings to offer them. In this way, we can also consider offering pleasure as a healing balm to those in our lineage.

You might already have a practice or ritual that connects you with your ancestors. Feel free to use that and incorporate the prompts below. If you do not have a practice of connecting or communing with your ancestors, consider the ritual below.

Simple Ritual for Connecting with Well Ancestors

There are many ways to connect with ancestors - but simply, having the intention of connecting and listening to them will likely yield something. You can also build a more elaborate ancestor practice. Whatever you do, I invite you to trust your intuition.

You might decide to call in a specific ancestor or stay open to who wants to communicate with you. You can connect to someone in your blood lineage or perhaps someone else you feel connected to. Whether you knew them or not, consider what is something you can offer them that would show appreciation and gratitude. Perhaps a food they liked, a flower, a candle, a drawing, a beloved item of theirs. If you do not know, a bowl of water or anything you might offer a house guest is sufficient. You might notice what you choose as an offering - this is likely not a coincidence. Find a spot to sit with the offering. Take a few breaths. Then, recite their name if you are calling a specific ancestor or you may say, "ancestor..." followed by "I remember you." You might say this a few times, for example: "Granma Shirley, I remember you."

Then, get still and listen.

Then you might ask: "Ancestor, what might you have me know about my pleasure?" or

"What is pleasure like for you, Ancestor?"

Continue to listen. Feel what you feel in you body. Notice any impulses, colors, memories, sounds, thoughts.

You might improvise and continue to ask questions you are curious about.

You might also try asking the question and then writing...letting their answers come through you on the page.

Reflections

What ways might I have inherited beliefs, practices, or skills around experiencing pleasure?

What ways might I pass on the wisdom of pleasure to future generations?