Two of my best friends growing up were of Mexican
heritage, and I remember being somewhat jealous of what seemed – in comparison
to my bland Nordic ancestry – a rich and vibrant culture. It always felt like I
was missing out on something when it came to embracing my own heritage. Not to mention
the food. I would not like to live in a world that didn’t include a good mole
sauce. And as far as I knew, the only culinary contribution from my people was
the sugary breakfast food known as the Danish pastry. I guess you could say
that I didn’t feel very connected to my ancestors.
Though as I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to appreciate my
Norwegian/ Danish parts, I mean after all, my people were Vikings, and we sure did know how to party. The more I know about
my heritage, the more I appreciate and have a sense of pride in what my
ancestors have contributed to the world. Each and every culture can look into
their past – pushing aside the dysfunction – and find gems worth feeling good
about.
This leads to this week’s message about striking
balancing between honoring our heritage and not getting caught up in the stereotypical
stories that have the potential to keep us constricted. Embrace where you came
from, but keep open to the ever expanding mindset of the global community. In
other words, let’s celebrate our diversity by sharing it with one another. And
as much as I love the spicy-richness of Mexican food, I can still appreciate a
Danish pastry now and then, especially with a nice touch of mole sauce.
With Love.
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From Over There:
“Within each and
every one of you is genetic coding that connects you to your ancestors. This
coding affects thought patterns beginning at birth and molds the way your
culture interacts. This structure has been helpful in the survival of cultures,
yet has created a division cross-culturally. It is through the attachment of
cultural ideals that disallows growth and evolution toward more unified thought
process. It is this pattern that keeps certain cultures closed off and stuck in
the mindset of superiority over others. While this occurs, global harmony is
not possible.
The values of the
ancestors are not always necessary to hold onto for future generations since
future generations will not have the same life circumstance or survival experiences
as the ancestors. As the systems of survival change, so must the value systems
evolve. Through global unification cultures around the planet will create ever
expanding tolerance and acceptance of one another. It is not necessary to forgo
the celebration of one’s culture in order to gain acceptance, it is in the
celebration of one’s culture alongside the cultures of others that creates
unification and harmony.”
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Featured Guest: Ancestry.com
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or check out the current class schedule, please visit molliejensen.com.
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