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Soul Care Meditation: Ancestral Lessons from Storytelling Through Craft + Creation - Pt 2, A Spring Blessing - Mental Health Awareness Month Edition
- Andrea Angie (GA)
- May 26
- 4 min read
Updated: May 29
In the first part of the three-part Sankofa storytelling series, we explored how oral storytelling serves as a living bridge between generations. However, storytelling is not confined to words, it is embodied in our handiwork. For instance, in many cultures, quilts serve as more than just sources of warmth; they are vibrant records of history. Every patch + stitch holds a story: a birth, a celebration, a prayer.
Receiving his grandmother's quilt, made from her apron, as an inheritance was an unforgettable experience for my husband. The memories + stories he shared about her came to life with every gentle stroke.
Cooking, too, is a form of storytelling. Recipes passed down through generations carry flavors, memories, and the love of those who stirred the pot before us.
Artistic expression—be it quilting, painting, or preparing a cherished meal—transforms everyday acts into rituals of remembrance. These creative practices offer a tangible way to celebrate our heritage + process our experiences. The table, the sewing circle, or the art studio becomes a sacred space where stories are crafted + shared without a single word.
Engaging in these embodied forms of storytelling can be deeply healing. They remind us that we are part of a larger tapestry, and that our hands, too, are capable of creating beauty, meaning, and sanctuary.
A Holy Haiku - Oral Storytelling
Hands stitch memory
Stories simmer on the stove
Love passed, bite by bite.
Amen + Asé
This haiku invites us to see how stories are woven + simmered into the fabric of daily life. Through our hands + hearts, we create tangible expressions of memory + love that nourish both body + soul.
This is the heart of Sankofa: returning to the gift of storytelling beyond words—remembering + reclaiming the practices that ground us in gratitude, connection, and hope.
Reflection for Your Journey
SOULjourner,
Which craft + creation traditions carry stories in your family or culture?
What new stories are you creating through your hands + heart?
Let these prompts invite you to explore storytelling that transcends mere words, as a sacred, ancestral practice—one that brings communion through shared memory.
A Blessing
May your hands remember the wisdom of those before you,
As you quilt, cook, paint, or shape your story.
May each act of creation be a prayer,
Each shared tradition a thread of grace,
Binding you to love that never fades.
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
Continue with Part 3 to delve more into storytelling through Written + Poetic Storytelling (Poetry, Journaling, Letters)
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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