Over the past month, I began a journey to discover the roots of my own name. I wondered if it might relate to the work that I am passionate about, and if there was someone similar to me in the past.  Being the family genealogist, I explored my own lineage first, but found no close relatives in the last several generations that share my first name.  Next, I examined the religious and cultural figures that bear the same name and surprisingly an enchanted trail emerged and I eagerly danced down the path reading about many fascinating women.  Finally, one morning I arrived at the life story of a historical "Sar'h" whose calling in life so closely resembles my own, that I broke into tears of joy and recognition. I had found my namesake!   

A name can provides a sense of connection, identity and often direction for a person. In fact, names are so important that many cultures include naming as a rite of passage in a child's life.  For example, in the Ojibwe Nation, when a child is born, a grandparent or elder is asked to consider these questions: "What is it that this child needs? Who is this child?" and "What have they come to do?"  Upon reflection and prayer, a name is finally born.  

In family constellation work, it is often meaningful to look at the prior generations and see who we share our name with.  Asking questions about our namesake's joys and struggles can provide clues to our own hidden talents or challenges.

In January, I spoke about the positive traits that we inherit from our ancestors such as skills, talents and ways of being.  This month, I encourage you to journey into your past and research your namesake.  Find out where your name comes from and what characteristics you share with that person.  Finding Sar'h has been a beautiful reminder for me to honor and thank those who have come before us, for all that they have gifted us including their name.