How to Venerate Your Ancestors in your Business
I am always going to do my absolute best to honor my ancestors! Ancestral veneration is a key part of my life and, by extension, my business. I believe that when we are living in alignment with our values, building a legacy, honoring the Earth, and engaging in ethical business, we are honoring those who came before us.
Today, I wanted to chat a bit about how we can incorporate an intentional ancestral veneration practice in our businesses.
If doing so feels appropriate to you, create an ancestral altar.
Set up an altar in your office or workspace with photos, mementos, or other objects that represent your ancestors. Light candles or incense, offer food or drink, and spend a few moments each day acknowledging and honoring your ancestors. Ask them for business advice and support!
You can also incorporate the names of ancestors into the name of your business or products. This can be a way to honor and remember your ancestors, as well as to connect with your cultural heritage. My family runs a car ferry company in the United States Virgin Islands. My great-grandfather, Victor Sewer, was a boat captain. So, we named our barges, M/V Captain Vic and M/V Grand Vic, after him. We also named the company “Love City” Car Ferries in honor of my grandfather who gave the island of St. John that nickname!
Incorporate traditional practices or knowledge passed down from ancestors into your business practices. For example, using traditional herbal remedies in a health and wellness business, or incorporating traditional cooking techniques in a food-related business.
Decide what you want to keep for yourself and your lineage! You don’t have to share all of your Ancestors’ secrets. You can also decide that your ancestral veneration practice calls you to make key decisions about which practices you’ll avoid commodifying.
You can also decide to celebrate ancestral holidays and traditions in your company.
You may opt to donate a portion of your profits to organizations or causes that support ancestral communities or cultural preservation efforts. This can be a way to give back and support the communities that your ancestors come from.
As your ancestors guide you, consider the values that your ancestors held and how they can be incorporated into your business practices. For example, if your ancestors were good stewards of environmental resources, consider how to incorporate their approach to eco-consciousness into your brand strategy.
What does ancestral veneration look like in your company? I’d love to hear about it!
Need help growing your conscious, purpose-driven brand? Schedule a call with me! I’m Dr. Hadiya Sewer, a decolonial philosopher, serial entrepreneur, and social impact advisor. I offer 1:1 Conscious Business Coaching to entrepreneurs and leaders who want to build 6 & 7 figure purpose-driven brands. Together, we’ll work on defining your values, scaling profits, and maximizing your social impact. Apply to join here!
