How To Connect With Your Ancestors Through Writing

I learned something new today about my trauma writing process.

I connected with a writing teacher this morning who has taught over 1,500 workshops. He has worked with Calvin Klein, the Moth, NPR, and even was on the pamphlet on Amtrak for his writing workshops.

I told him my story of how I harnessed my writing process through my healing journey in 2019 and reconnected with my Cambodian ancestry along the way.

I somehow channeled their gifts of creativity through my writing journey without realizing it.

He was deeply fascinated by the story of my writing process and said, “You were able to channel a source outside of you into your writing. This is not something people know how to do, and you were able to do it and now coach others to do the same.”

We shared this revelation and the magic of what fuels our creativity...specifically writing.

Our desire to use our voice on paper can come from a place outside of ourselves...specifically our ancestors.

When we write our stories, we are the VOICES of our ancestors.

Our ancestors may not have had the language, authority, or the freedom to express themselves during their time.

The members of my family who died during the Cambodian genocide were well-known community builders, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and writers.

They passed down their gifts for me to use my voice in a way they couldn’t.

So if you’re a writer, I want you to remember, not only are you channeling your ancestors when writing your stories, you also were never alone in the moments of darkness.

You were always being guided back by your angels into the light and the wholeness of your being.

You’re meant to be here.

You’re meant to write your stories.

You’re meant to live freely within your truths.

Sincerely,

Mary

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