On Monday, I had the privilege of spending an afternoon with my beloved great Aunt Athena, the last living sibling of all my grandparents. At 91 years old, she carries within her a wealth of wisdom and a lifetime of memories, which she generously shared with me during our visit. Our time together not only filled my heart with love and nostalgia but also served as a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring our elders and the legacy they leave behind.
As we sat together, my great aunt's stories transported me to a time that I'm completely enthralled in, bringing to life the rich history and heritage that runs through our veins. She reminisced about the annual Panagiria celebrations in our small village, recalling how the festivities were often held near our ancestral home—a house built by my great-great grandfather. This beautiful memory highlighted the deep roots that connect us to our past.
She also shared a heartwarming story of her friendship with my Yiayia who would later become her sister in law. In the afternoons, my Yiayia would herd her goats up the mountain, where she and my great aunt would spend time together, enjoying each other's company amidst the serene landscape of our - xorio - village Agia Triada. Their bond was a testament to the power of lifelong friendships and sisterhoods, and the importance of human connection in today's world of growing disconnect. There’s something incredibly beautiful about women leaning on each other, especially during times of hardships.
During our conversation, my great aunt opened up about the difficult times our family faced during WWII. It was heartbreaking to hear about the loss and struggle they went through. But even in those dark moments, she told me how the village neighbors came together to help my family. Neighbors became like family, supporting and caring for each other through the unimaginably difficult times. Her stories show that, even when things seem hopeless, people will come together to build strength within their community. We share a common humanity that binds us together. When we embrace empathy, compassion, and togetherness, we can not only survive but eventually and hopefully thrive, both individually and collectively.
These personal stories reminded me that our elders are embodiments of living libraries of our history, culture, and traditions. Their wisdom, born from a lifetime of experiences, is a gift and wealth of knowledge waiting for us to discover and share with future generations. When we preserve this deep wisdom, we create a bridge that spans generations, empowering us to make decisions for the future that foster resilience in moments we feel challenged, perseverance when we feel lost, and personal growth to feel fulfilled in our lives. I find that the legacy of our elders remains an ever-flowing source of guidance and inspiration, making sure that their knowledge and experiences continue to support us in our journeys today and forward.
Throughout our conversation, my great aunt lovingly shared life lessons, emphasizing the importance of choosing love over conflict, practicing kindness, and cherishing the present moment. Her words resonated deeply within me, inspiring me to reflect on what is it that we leave behind and the impact we have on the lives of those who follow in our footsteps.
As the founder of Conscious Vegan Kitchen, I am passionate about honoring our connection to the earth and its gifts. I believe that conscious eating goes beyond the ingredients we choose; it is a celebration of our heritage, a way to nourish our bodies, and a commitment to preserving the wisdom passed down through generations.
The wisdom of our elders serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path to a more compassionate and sustainable future. When we apply their lessons to our own lives, we are able to nurture stronger connections with each other, appreciate the beauty of the here and now, and cultivate a sense of purpose that extends beyond just ourselves.
To honor my great Aunt Athena's words, I encourage us all to tap into the wisdom of our elders and remember that each day is an opportunity to choose love, practice kindness, and recognize the gifts that make life so meaningful. Together, we can honor where we've come from and make sure that the stories and lessons of our ancestors continue to inspire and empower generations to come.
I leave you with this question to reflect on: How can you apply the lessons and values of your own elders to your daily life? In what ways might their wisdom enrich your relationships and help you navigate life's challenges with resilience and grace? I offer these questions as a way of exploration to perhaps deepen your connection with your heritage, honor the stories of your elders, and chart a path forward rooted in their timeless wisdom.
I’m so glad that you had such a beautiful connection with your Great Aunt Athena. I know she loved your company.
A wise man once said “when an elder passes a library closes”. Listen to their stories, ask questions, spend time with them before their library closes.