Family System Constellation
We are part of a family system consisting of parents, grandparents, great grandparents and many more generations of mothers and fathers. The system that we are part of is informed by an energetic field that holds memories and connects us to each member of our family. Wisdom traditions have an understanding of this field, which is being increasingly recognized in the western world through the science of epigenetics and heart research.
The deepest and sometimes most unrecognized dynamics are those within the family system. Constellation work exposes hidden family patterns that may have been unknown for generations. These patterns often originate from unresolved trauma, entanglements, or other issues that negatively affect family, career, health and relationships.
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What is Family Constellation?
Healing the World
By: Francesca Mason Boring
The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. -Lao Tzu
Family Systems Constellations is a method which identifies and honors those trans-generational events and traumas which have inhibited the flow of love in a family system. The traumas of war, assault, death, dismemberment, poverty, or exploitive wealth, crippling judgment, imprisonment, institutionalization, insanity, murder, rape, these are the stuff of the human condition, and within a family context they are often tales which go untold, or family secrets which require complicit silence, no matter the unremitting impact.
These are the unspoken echoes of horror and loss that prevent one from fully experiencing love in personal relationships. Some systemic or ancestral pains in love relationships become unconscious prohibitions against the ‘suffering’ of love. Some losses and interruptions in the system become a lifelong challenge to ‘find a place’. Some difficulty in processing forced migration become an inability to look at the issues of immigrants. Systemic insulation for the sake of self-protection becomes systemic blindness, sometimes of collective proportions.
Generational group loyalties which fed slavery, genocide, decimation of land and ostracism of those who would not comply have stealthily expanded to national group conscience and atrocities throughout the planet.
How do we save such a world? Perhaps it takes a simple step: looking with mercy and without judgment on the wounds, oversights, and predators within our own family systems.
All family constellations are a part of a wider field. The context of history, destiny, and all the circumstances which surrounded the catastrophes within our own family systems may represent events which were impossible to integrate. Seeing what was would have meant self-destruction, catatonia, incomprehensible rage or suicidal guilt. Family constellation allows us, (sometimes for the first time), allows a family system to see, and to be able to live within the context of what was. Now scientists have observed epigenetic memories being passed down for 14 generations; our work with trans-generational forces has growing support from multiple disciplines.
As we expand our individual family constellation within a community experience, we become a collective witness. And as humans have done for millennia, we together become a prayer for freedom and reconciliation. As our work in the knowing field has expanded ,there are many facilitators who honor the collective movement which can arise from a family constellation and those present who have lived with common weighty family dynamics. Ritual, walking meditation, ceremonial hand washing, silence, and ever holding respect and safety for individuals and families who are drawn to the work is a part of our expansion.
In honoring our ancestry within the safety of our common humanity, for the first time we can live our lives within the context of what is. Without the restraint of systemic burdens, we can fully step into the world with love. Perhaps this is one important step toward healing the world. –All My Relations
©Francesca Mason Boring 2017
Links
The Ancestor Effect: Thinking about our roots boosts intellect and confidence
Memories Being Passed Down for 14 Generations
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20190326-what-is-epigenetics
