Sit cross-legged and begin by following a deep-breathing regime. I use a “count to ten” regime, in one, out one - in two, out two. Remember, it’s not about the number of breaths but the mindfulness, paying attention to the feelings and sounds of each inward and outward breath.

Your mind may wander but keep returning to thoughts of the breath.

In your minds-eye you see yourself before a fire, sitting comfortably. You feel safe here and at home.

The setting is one that calls out to your heart, it may be a circle of trees, the bowels of an ancient temple, the inside of a simple barn….but it is You.

It is a place that holds strength and comfort for your soul.

Smoky billows rise from the fire and you smell the pungent incense as you breath it in.

Off in the distance you can hear music, not recorded but true, raw music, being made by hundreds of people.

The tune weeps and bends, rising in crescendos and dipping low to near inaudibility.

This is the sound of community, of souls overflowing with joy.

The drums and pipes and folksy strings continue to sing in the background, as you gaze into the fire.

You feel its crackling heat on your face.

For a moment you almost think that you have seen eyes within the flames, staring back into yours.

It is only then that you become aware, lovingly, of another presence there with you.

It is a woman, an old woman, strong but kind.

She speaks to you in a voice that seems familiar.

Yet she speaks in a language that you do not recognize.

Strangely, you understand these forgotten words.

She is welcoming you back home. She calls you, “my child, my grandparent.”

With a sweep of her hand she invites you to gaze into the portal of the fire, beyond its haze and into the land of your true ancestors….