Generational Healing

Our bodies and our minds contain the blueprint of our lineage. This means that the seeds of our ancestors unfinished business—what I refer to as a pain inheritance—are still alive in our cells, bones, thoughts, and actions. Unacknowledged, these forces have the power to entangle us in fates that do not belong to us. Yet we will often uphold our pain inheritance out of an unconscious loyalty to our ancestors. Unaware of this legacy, we experience inner confusion and anxiety, external discord in our relationships, and pass our pain to future generations.

Common in African and Native American traditions, it is believed that when there are problems in our present-day lives, an ancestor is unhappy. To correct the presenting problem, the Shaman will invite the person to identify and attend to the unfinished needs of an ancestor (and the earth, which is considered the oldest ancestor). Similarly, Generational Healing invites us to turn our attention inward and shine a light on the pain legacies we’ve been hauling—a burden whose contents still live in our bones and in our nervous systems, having survived untold generations. Ruby Gibson, founder of Somatic Archaeology, shares:

When we forget or suppress our personal past, we cork up a very turbulent energy. Historical amnesia creates inner pressure and external conflict, anchoring us into the very thing we wish to avoid—repeating history.

In this profoundly empowering retreat, we weave insights from African and Native American wisdom, Healing Rage and Family Constellations methodologies, Buddhist principles, and western psychology  to reconnect with our roots and pay homage to long-standing traumas. By honoring the unresolved pain legacies of our ancestors, we put to rest what is already behind us, break our loyalty to suffering, and free our body and mind to be powerful, creative, and legendary in our lifetime.

This residential retreat will be held on the sacred grounds of Hope Springs Institute in Peebles, Ohio. Plan to arrive no later than 2:00 PM on Thursday, October 28. We will end this retreat at 2:00 PM on Sunday, October 31.

This retreat is open to men and women, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for you to attend with your adult children, dear friends, partners, siblings, and parents.

What Others are Saying:

“Ruth has shown me the gift of love and forgiveness in the face of wounding. She is an honored role model and reminder of having the courage to weave the wisdom practices into her work and to boldly go where some fear to tread. Ruth teaches with a tenderness that invites the stories that need to be told and with her own remembering of the legacy of our ancestors she brings to her work a forgotten essential link to healing the past so we can live in the present. Deep bow to you.” Mbali Creazzo, CA

“I recently attended Ruth’s workshop. Without expectations or even knowing what would lie ahead I left utterly moved and enlightened by the experience. The sense of community and safe space that was created with Ruth’s guidance was inspirational. The fact that she could identify the multiple sources of my pain and angst without knowing me made me feel connected to others. I now am inspired to love myself and learn more about the rage I feel without reservations. I was given permission to be ok with myself as I am and now feel encouraged to grow toward a more peaceful existence and healthier relationships. Thank you Ruth.” Erica, CA

“Hello Ruth, I participated in your workshop with my daughter recently. I wanted to thank you again for your wisdom and for leading us in such beautiful exercises that led to connection and knowing who we are. We were able to share with several others the excitement and energy we felt from the experience. I must say that being the ‘elder’ was a first for me, and really an honor. It was very healing to see my age in a positive light. Again thank you and many blessings.” Jane Whitaker, Therapist, DC

“After nearly a year of coaching with Ruth, I went on a healing rage retreat and it all came together. The experience of standing in the shoes of others’ family stories seemed to release me from my own.” Mary LaMattery, Women’s Studies English Instructor, City College of San Francisco

“It occurs to me that I should tell you what I’ve been telling everyone else. The (Generational Healing) retreat has been very transforming for me. I can’t properly articulate what’s happened since. My relationship with my daughter is different now. I am on board with her having the freedom to show her ass without it breaking my heart. Not quite there with my mother but am more receptive to changing our relationship. Thank you again for the opportunity of a lifetime, really.” Bethanne Pointdexter, DC

“Dearest Ruth: I would like to express my humble gratitude and appreciation for your facilitation of my family constellation. There have been many breakthroughs! I really want to say DAMN YOU’RE GOOD at listening and getting at the core.” Anonymous