.png)
Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Sankofa Full Circle, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 31
- 4 min read
As we come full circle in this Sankofa (SAHN-koh-fah) series, we pause to reflect on
the journey we’ve taken together this Mental Health Awareness Month. Each week, we have reached back—Sankofa style—to gather the ancestral gifts of the Beloved and the wisdom passed down through generations, contributing to our personal + collective shalom-making.
It’s important to remember that “ancestor” is a broad + inclusive term. As writer + ancestral healing ARTvocate, Leesa Renee Hall explains, there are many ways to be an ancestor:
Blood ancestors (those we are biologically descended from)
Ancestors of place (those who lived on the land before us)
Ancestors of affinity (clubs, churches, associations, etc.), and
Ancestors of ideology (those whose values, teachings, or creative work have shaped our lives, even if we are not related by blood)
This broader perspective highlights that the “cloud of witnesses” is vast, and that each of us is called to operate within an ancestral, legacy-focused mindset and create a legacy, regardless of having biological descendants.
Through oral storytelling, creative hands, written reflection, the beauty of fallow ground, regenerative collectivism, and apothecary wisdom, we have come to remember that soul care is both ancient + ever-new.
With open hands + contemplative hearts, we have explored the sacred rhythms of rest, renewal, and community. We have honored the robust stories that travel through generations, the healing found in herbs + spices, and the necessity of both solitude + togetherness. Each practice, each reflection, has been an invitation to return to our roots, to reclaim what is good (tov), and to bless the ground we walk on today.
Sankofa teaches us that healing is not linear—it is a spiral, a return, a gathering of what was, what is, and what can be. As we move forward, may we continue to practice soul care that is rooted in faith, hope, love, ancestral wisdom, mindful presence, and our unique way of being in the world, personally + collectively.
A Holy Haiku - Sankofa Full Cirlce
Circle unbroken
Past and present hand in hand
Sankofa fulfilled.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to celebrate the unbroken circle of ancestral wisdom, where past + present walk together, and the spirit of Sankofa is practiced in our lives, personally + collectively.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of ancestral wisdom, reclaiming what is good + life-giving from our past, and carrying it forward with shalom. In doing so, we honor those who came before us, nurture our own souls, and plant seeds of wellbeing for generations yet to come.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Which ancestral practices or insights from this May series have most resonated with your soul this month?
How will you continue to honor rest, creativity, and collective care in your daily life?
In what ways can you carry the spirit of Sankofa—remembering + reclaiming—into the seasons ahead?
A Sankofa Benediction
May the circle of Sankofa hold you in grace,
May every lesson gathered become a seed of renewal.
May you move forward with curiosity, rooted in play and wisdom,
And may your soul care journey bless you and all you touch.
May's Mental Health Awareness Month Benediction: This benediction concludes our month-long series with a sacred sending forth—an invitation to carry God's light within you as you continue to illuminate your ancestral light through shalom. We reconnect with our belovedness + reclaim in the spirit of Sankofa, empowered by 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.
JOIN THE SOULJOURNER COLLECTIVE
Receive soul care wisdom + exclusive peace practices in your inbox. Enter your name + email to join our global community of intentional gift-givers.
