know thyself
Just a while ago I watched a program on PBS called Faces of America with Henry Louis Gates Jr.
FACES OF AMERICA This program looked at the ancestral line of several well-known American personalities. It was quite interesting to see these people get the results of the research done on their family history.
On a personal note, I've always been fascinated with my ancestors and the stories of their lives. It is strange how throughout my life at times I've felt deep emotional connections to places and things without knowing why. I have had several instances where I'd shown an interest in something and my parents were baffled as to where this interest came from.
One very early interest for me has always been England. I even sat down as a very young girl and watched the entire wedding of Prince Charles to Diana Spence. I was charmed by the pomp and circumstance of it all. But my interest was due to the fact that the event took place in England, which is a place I've always had a sort of unexplainable attraction towards. This allure was only increased because of my affection for reading and upon the discovery of the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, the Brontes, to name a few. I wonder where this comes from? Was there some ancestor who was from England or who had the same love? The fondness for this place was only increased once I had my first visit this past May. I cannot explain what transpired nor the emotions I experienced once my feet touched the ground on English soil. The best way to describe it was a real sense of being home at last. In fact I felt more at home or a sense of belonging there more than I've ever felt in the town I grew up in. I felt comfortable and a sort of completeness. Its was a feeling for me unlike anything I've ever experienced. Once I had to leave, I felt a deeply intense kind of sadness unlike any other. I've almost been homesick ever since It may sound strange to some, but I cannot explain why I feel the way I do. There's really no clear outward explanation, but I honestly believe that somewhere in my DNA lies the answer.
FACES OF AMERICA This program looked at the ancestral line of several well-known American personalities. It was quite interesting to see these people get the results of the research done on their family history.
On a personal note, I've always been fascinated with my ancestors and the stories of their lives. It is strange how throughout my life at times I've felt deep emotional connections to places and things without knowing why. I have had several instances where I'd shown an interest in something and my parents were baffled as to where this interest came from.
One very early interest for me has always been England. I even sat down as a very young girl and watched the entire wedding of Prince Charles to Diana Spence. I was charmed by the pomp and circumstance of it all. But my interest was due to the fact that the event took place in England, which is a place I've always had a sort of unexplainable attraction towards. This allure was only increased because of my affection for reading and upon the discovery of the likes of Shakespeare, Austen, Dickens, the Brontes, to name a few. I wonder where this comes from? Was there some ancestor who was from England or who had the same love? The fondness for this place was only increased once I had my first visit this past May. I cannot explain what transpired nor the emotions I experienced once my feet touched the ground on English soil. The best way to describe it was a real sense of being home at last. In fact I felt more at home or a sense of belonging there more than I've ever felt in the town I grew up in. I felt comfortable and a sort of completeness. Its was a feeling for me unlike anything I've ever experienced. Once I had to leave, I felt a deeply intense kind of sadness unlike any other. I've almost been homesick ever since It may sound strange to some, but I cannot explain why I feel the way I do. There's really no clear outward explanation, but I honestly believe that somewhere in my DNA lies the answer.
Another peculiar interest I have had was my interest and sentiment for horses. This goes back to when I was a really little girl. My family never could afford riding lessons, but it there was a way for me to have contact with a horse, I found it. In college I joined the equestrian team and learned to ride and take care of horses. My parents were completely stunned that I was more than happy to groom horses and clean stalls. This alarm was due to my dislike of strong unpleasant odors and working outdoors. They didn't realize that my love for the horse moved me beyond my comfort zones. Spending time grooming and talking to the two horses under my care, Chelsea and Delise, was a special time for me. I once again felt a connection with the courses unlike anything I'd known before. I later found from my mother that her father's family were amazing horsemen and also bred and trained horses. Upon my own research I found that my grandfather on my mom's mother's side worked with the Texas Rangers as was known for his horsemanship. So, that's where I think I get my love for horses. My parents like horses, but weren't raised with them and my brother and I weren't raised around them either. I once again give credit to my genetic makeup for this love I have that has been passed down through my DNA rather than and outward passing down of interest.
I am of the belief that I am composed of the DNA of all those who have gone before, and as a result a little bit of every person is left to shape me in some way. I may have gotten my curly hair from one ancestor and my appreciation of art from another. My heart is easily moved to the sounds of traditional Celtic and Native American music, the music of my ancestors. I have a special place in my heart and a deep respect for the land and for all things living. I feel an intense connection land and attribute that to a combination of my Native American heritage and the value placed on land from my Irish and Mexican ancestors. I have a very difficult time listening to stories of injustices done to the Native people of America and African slaves brought here it grieves me internally. The cruelty experienced by slaves also hurts my heart in a way that is intense. I imagine my African ancestor an all they had to endure upon coming to America. I come to be because of the sweat, tears, hardships, injustices, strength, and unbelievable determination of all my ancestors. I embrace every cell of my person and know that I wouldn't be who I am if there were anyone less in my lineage. I think in oder to know where I want to go in my life I must acknowledge where my bloodlines have been. I believe the more I know about the lives of my ancestors allows me to know myself better. I'm determined to do right by them, to make the most of this life I've been given and taking into consideration all that my ancestors went through in order to get me to the place I will be one day. So in the words of the famous ancient Greek quote "KNOW THYSELF", which was mad reference to in FOA, I am determined to get to know myself better. I want to be the best "me" I can be, never forgetting my ancestors whose DNA is spinning and whirling around within me. I owe it to them to make them proud and I believe that God knew what He was doing when giving me the ancestors He gave me. I am completely unique with a mostly unknown history and a beautiful future that is yet to be. With God's help, I will uncover more of who I am to become, and what purpose my life is to serve here on Earth at this point in history. I will "KNOW THYSELF" and move forward to do astounding things!
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