Honoring Our Ancestors and Discovering Our Authentic Selves through Dia De Los Muertos
For years, I never engaged with my Hispanic heritage. As an “American,” I figured I was complete. But I wasn’t. Since 2020, I’ve made my heritage and ancestors a greater and greater priority, and it has added so much meaning to my life and experience on this rock we call Earth.
Dia De Los Muertos: A Celebration of Connection
Dia De Los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is far more than a celebration; it’s a soulful communion with those who came before us. Rooted in Mesoamerican traditions and infused with Catholic influences over time, this holiday offers a unique opportunity to honor ancestors with deep reverence and love. Often misunderstood as simply a Mexican Halloween, Dia De Los Muertos is actually a time to embrace life by celebrating those who have passed.
This tradition has given me a profound sense of grounding and belonging. As I began to create altars adorned with photographs, favorite foods, and marigolds—the bridge between the living and the departed—I felt the presence of my heritage in ways I had never known. Honoring my ancestors isn’t about staying rooted in the past; it’s about reconnecting with the parts of myself that are woven into a legacy I almost let go of.
Knowing Ourselves through the Eyes of Our Ancestors
When we honor our ancestors, we uncover pieces of our identity that have been lost, hidden, or diminished over time. Modern life, with all its pressures to assimilate and conform, can lead us to suppress or even forget the deeper aspects of who we are. For those of us with multicultural roots, the sense of belonging can feel fragmented. We often struggle between where we come from and where we find ourselves. Engaging with Dia De Los Muertos has allowed me to find an authentic blend of both.
Through honoring ancestors, we also engage in a form of “unmasking.” This is a key part of our journey at BreakBox: peeling away the false layers, those societal expectations, and discovering the inner truths that connect us to our most genuine selves. As I placed items on my altar, memories and stories arose that reminded me of the resilience, humor, and warmth of my ancestors. I realized that these traits live on in me. This connection has shifted the way I see myself, allowing me to embody qualities I once felt disconnected from.
Bridging the Past to Shape Our Future
In the BreakBox process, we talk about “Finding the Box,” or identifying the limiting beliefs and ego-driven behaviors that prevent us from living authentically. For many of us, these beliefs are often inherited, rooted in family histories, cultural expectations, or societal norms. But through Dia De Los Muertos, we engage in a unique process of honoring these roots while choosing what we carry forward. This is where the transformation happens: by consciously deciding which parts of our ancestry to embody and which patterns to release, we cultivate a life that truly aligns with who we are.
This tradition teaches us that our ancestors don’t just reside in the past—they live in us, shaping our choices and our perceptions. Through honoring them, we access the wisdom and strength they passed down, empowering us to live fully in our truth and carry forward a legacy that aligns with our authentic selves.
A Path to Inner Wholeness
Practicing Dia De Los Muertos isn’t only about the altar or the offerings. It’s about embracing our ancestors as living parts of our soul, each contributing a unique layer to our story. In this sense, the holiday becomes a tool for “Unlocking the Box”—discovering hidden strengths and wisdom within. When we honor our ancestors, we invite healing and integration. Each remembered story, each cherished item on the altar, each quiet moment of gratitude helps us integrate parts of ourselves we might have neglected.
Through this practice, we access deeper compassion and acceptance, not only for our ancestors but for ourselves. We begin to see how our personal journey is intertwined with a broader narrative. The healing of our lineage becomes a healing for our soul, reminding us that we’re never alone in our struggles or triumphs.
Step Outside the Box and into Authenticity
Dia De Los Muertos has shown me that authenticity isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s a journey that connects us to a lineage, a history, and a future. Through honoring my ancestors, I’m reminded that I am the culmination of their dreams, sacrifices, and love. I am part of something bigger—a collective story. In honoring this, I become more than myself; I become a bridge between the past and the future, an embodiment of all the strength, resilience, and wisdom passed down through generations.
As I continue this practice each year, Dia De Los Muertos isn’t just a cultural celebration; it’s a personal transformation. It has helped me break free from inherited limitations and embrace the full, authentic expression of who I am. If you’ve ever felt disconnected from your heritage or a sense of “something missing,” I invite you to consider honoring your ancestors in whatever way feels right to you. You might find, as I have, that reconnecting with them leads you closer to yourself than you ever imagined.
If you’re ready to explore your roots, heal ancestral patterns, and live more authentically, let’s work together. Click on the “Book Your Assessment” link to get started on a journey toward your true self.
Que tus ancestros guíen tu camino,
Zac