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A Sankofa Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Blessings, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
As we journey through Mental Health Awareness Month, we pause to reflect on the everyday blessings that sustain us. Blessings are not just words or rituals—they are acts of remembrance, connection, and affirmation. Our ancestors knew the power of speaking blessings over each other, weaving gratitude + hope into the fabric of daily life.
With open hands and contemplative hearts, we practice Sankofa—reaching back to gather ancestral wisdom about blessing as a spiritual practice. We remember that to bless and be blessed is to recognize the sacred bestowed upon us, others, and the world around us.
Blessings are both ancient and new. They are spoken, sung, written, and lived. In times of struggle, to bless is to affirm that goodness and grace are still possible. Our ancestors blessed each other as a way to pass on strength, wisdom, and belonging. In our own lives, blessing can become a daily act of soul care—an anchor for our mental and spiritual well-being.
A Holy Haiku - Blessings
Blessings like soft rain
Nourish roots beneath the soil
Grace sustains and grows.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to notice the gentle, often unseen ways that blessings nurture our lives. Like rain soaking deep into the earth, blessings sustain us even when we cannot see their full effect.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of blessing—remembering + reclaiming the practices that ground us in gratitude, connection, and hope.
Mini-Lesson: Hope + Living Waters
In the Hebrew scriptures, blessing (berakhah, pronounced beh-rah-KHAH) is more than a wish for good fortune—it is a sacred invocation of God’s favor, protection, and peace. One of the most beloved blessings is found in Numbers 6:24-26:
“The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.”
This priestly blessing became a daily reminder of God’s nearness + care. In the New Testament, Paul echoes this tradition:
Blessings are both spiritual + practical—rooted in God’s generosity, grace, and ongoing presence. Blessings are meant to be received + shared, creating a cycle of gratitude, hope, and connection within the community + across generations.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
In what small ways do you experience or offer blessings each day?
Who in your life has spoken or embodied blessing for you, especially during difficult times?
How might you reclaim or create blessing rituals—spoken, written, or silent—for yourself and your community?
What does it mean for you to live as a blessing, nurturing grace + hope wherever you go?
Let these prompts encourage you to recognize + share the power of blessing, both received + given.
A Blessing
May blessings find you in ordinary moments,
May your roots be nourished by gentle grace,
May you speak blessings over yourself and others,
For this season and every season to come.
For May's Mental Health Awareness Month, affirm: "Through empathy, I/we return to our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, to go back and get it, by the enablement of the Holy Spirit”
A Special Free Gift for You
To deepen your journey into sensory awareness + sensing pleasure, I invite you to download my complimentary PDF guide, Savoring Sensuality with Soul.
This pastoral guide explores the importance of presence, surrender, and gratitude in experiencing life's replete pleasures more fully. It offers pastoral care on how to engage your senses and celebrate your neurology.
Download Your Free PDF Here:
As you explore this resource, remember that your unique journey is a celebration of soulful living. May you find daring shalom + sensual pleasure in every moment.
With soul,
Pastor Angie
SOULjourner, go Deeper on my Autism+ page for more resources.
A Gift Set SOULution
Featuring the botanical-themed Charcuterie Gift Box
Elevate your next collective care gathering with the Melanated Musings Charcuterie Board Gift Box Set.
In the heart of your home or gathering, add flair wherever you dare with a fusion of art, Black culture, and whimsical elegance.
Add a pop to any tabletop for your hors d'oeuvres + desserts.
Let the captivating charm bring a touch of soul to your next soirée (bridal shower, hostess gift, team party, bachelorette party, birthday party, anniversary celebration, or just to feel lavished), as they remind you that sometimes, the most beautiful stories begin with a simple, heartfelt gesture.
What’s Included: Free Gift Wrapping
1 x Choose board shape: Round Charcuterie Board with Groove - 13.5” x 13.5” or Rectangular Charcuterie Board with Groove - 12" x 9"
1 x Choose Board Design: Noir + Leaves or Mocha + Leaves
1 x Tamarind Oh! Sauce, 10.5 oz. Ingredients: Guava, Water, Tamarind Puree, Ginger Juice, Brown Sugar, Vanilla Extract, Organic Lemon Juice, Organic Lime Juice. A phenomenal sweet and tangy sauce for veggies, meat, and YES—desserts. Use it on your charcuterie boards to replace jams + jellies.
Or you can BUILD YOUR OWN GIFT SET >>
Until next time,
Gift from your soul.
✧
Deepen Your Soul Care Journey
Beloved SOULjourner, as you continue to nurture your gift-giving practice, discover sustainable gifts designed to embody intentional gift-giving + connection.
Soulful gifting for social change in the soul care boutique. Be inspired to amplify your ARTvocacy through peace + play vibes.
Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only as I share my pastoral care, my journey, and bring to you valuable research. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing any medical concerns or symptoms, please seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
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