The Idea of Imitation #1
From Stockhausen: Conversations with the Composer by Jonathan Cott (New York: Simon & Schuster, 1973), pp. 47:
And doing something that you are not yet. The idea of flying: I can’t fly yet, but God, how shall I fly? They’ve thought for thousands of years how they could regain that power they didn’t know they once had. They saw that the birds were able to fly, and they had the idea of imitating them. And then, you see, they developed the possibility of how to fly.
When my brother was less than a year old, he watched me from a corner as I gently scratched a mat I was sitting on. Within moments, he crawled towards me and started doing the same thing. It was absolutely adorable to watch, but it also gave me a bit of a scare. The scary part wasn’t just about him mimicking his big brother — it hit me that I had to start being more careful about what I did around him. For more context, I am 12 or 13 years older than him. It was a clear sign that I needed to model certain behaviors, because my little brother was watching and learning from me even when he had no idea that he was. Every time I remember this moment, it brings a smile to my face, but it also leaves me feeling a bit meh. The thing is, he probably doesn’t remember it happening, and I don’t plan on ever telling him about it. But deep down, I can’t shake off the feeling that I haven’t always been the best role model for him in some ways. I find consolation in the fact that I am human and flawed in every way possible. I am really no different from him when it comes to imitation. Heaven only knows all the little things I’ve picked up from my mom and dad without even noticing – the good stuff and the not-so-good stuff. I’ve found myself doing one of three things: either dodging the mistakes they made, repeating those mistakes, or sublimating them entirely. And the things about them I absolutely love? I’m wholeheartedly embracing and amplifying those things in my life. Since we’re all born without a manual on how to navigate life, we naturally look to other people as guides to figure out how to go about it. Imitation, then, is the process of observing and copying the actions or behaviors of someone else. It is, in a way, a mechanism for transmitting knowledge or information. This is how certain traditions or cultural practices survive. For a tradition to endure, it must be engaging or appealing, making those who see it want to emulate it. ⚓
Before my father and his buddies began any drinking session, they’d fill a small glass with whatever they were drinking and pour it on the ground. They’d also throw in some kola nuts. Although I thought it was a cool practice, my mom wasn’t a fan and preferred to stay out of it. Interestingly, they never did it with wine because, apparently, the ancestors aren’t into wine — they prefer things like schnapps, cognac, basically the stronger stuff, mostly spirits. But then again, spirits deserve spirits. Let’s look beyond the libation rituals for a moment and explore the possible reasons why people engage in them. Before spilling the drink on the ground, my father and his buddies always paused to thank their ancestors, recognising the huge debt of gratitude they owe to those who came before them. After which they ask their ancestors for protection against any harm or evil. With that very act, they are acknowledging that they did not fall from coconut trees. To put it in perspective: there’s a long line of people who paved the way so that I can be here now, typing this very sentence. As a Christian, I’m part of a faith that doesn’t really endorse ancestor worship, and my mom feels the same way. Despite this, I can’t ignore the deep value I find in the ritual. Of course I am interested in honouring my ancestors as should others, but I wonder, what does that even look like in 2024? How can or should I adapt libations to fit my context and religious beliefs? Some people build statues to honour people who have accomplished interesting feats, but this is no different from performing libations. Both practices are about keeping the memory of these people alive. People are never gone per se. They only truly disappear when we stop honouring or remembering them. Their spirits also can’t animate you because you have somehow dismissed them as irrelevant to your own trajectory. Take the Bible, for example, where phrases like “the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob” are common. It shows relationship that has been established with God across time. Those words highlight a continuous relationship with God through generations. 🔗
So, when you reach out to God, you’re not starting fresh; you’re part of a long line of people who have built a connection with the divine over time. Those words activates a covenant. Now, you might be thinking, “I don’t even know who my great-great-grandparents were or a detailed family tree,” but let me assure you, every family line has its mix of saints and scoundrels. Accept that statement as your starting point if you value your mental health. Imagine for a second if the universe allowed you to see a full record of what your ancestors did. Some of it might be so shocking that it could make you sick to your stomach, leaving you wondering how you could even share the same bloodline. Of course, it’s a common bias to assume that your own ancestors are more virtuous compared to others — as usual, "hell is other people." I bet in my ancestry, there probably were cannibals, slaves, educators, violent criminals, farmers, advisers, prophets, executioners, slave traders, philanthropists, and so much more. Slave traders you might ask? Well plenty has been written and discussed regarding those who purchased slaves, yet there’s been less focus on the African communities who sold them. Anyway, among my ancestors, it’s likely that some caused so much pain and harm to others that they were cursed out of sheer agony. Prayers and curses are sometimes the last resort of the powerless. They are the only weapons they’ve got. In the book of Exodus, God promised to visit the sins of fathers upon their sons, grandsons, and so on. We often believe that karma is what happens to other people and that somehow we are immune to it. But what if some of the struggles we face today are actually the result of our ancestors’ actions? What if we are carrying the weight of their karma? Many people, even those from wealthy families are reluctant to explore their family histories because they’re afraid of uncovering unpleasant truths. What they know and share about their past is often a sanitised version, so pristine it could be compared to the spotlessness of a laboratory or semiconductor factory. 🪜
Achieving significant wealth sometimes involves making tough, and potentially unethical or immoral decisions that one might prefer to keep hidden. It’s also in the best interest of the children not to know, because who wants to live with the potential guilt? But don’t misunderstand me, dear reader. I’m not saying all wealth is gained this way; I am talking about the ones that are. I’d caution against arrogance especially when it comes to wealth or family heritage. Just because you can’t find or know where the skeletons are buried doesn't mean there aren't any. In fact, we should all be humble, considering that some of the perks we enjoy today come without the guilt we might feel if we knew the full story behind them. The question arises: how can you liberate yourself from the curses passed down due to your ancestors’ actions, and how can you access the blessings they've left for you? You inherit both the positive and negative legacies—good and bad karma. I bet your ancestors probably never intended to pass down the bad karma to you. But then again, I am sure there were some of them who didn’t mind. The first step to break the bad karma is to seek forgiveness from the universe—both for your ancestors’ actions and for your own, especially if you've unknowingly continued the negative patterns they left behind. Second would be to live your life in ways that reverse the negative patterns inherited from the past, thereby creating new, positive karma for you and your successors. Your actions today will shape the lives of those who come after you. Third, engage in healing practices or rituals that are designed to break negative cycles in your life. Fourth, honour your ancestors — how you do that is up to you since I am also trying to figure that out. As for the blessings, pray and ask for guidance so the tools they have for you can be revealed and made accessible to you. In summary, you are not alone. You have divine and ancestral assistance at your disposal. It would be a shame not to use them. As usual, I intended to write one thing and ended up writing another. Sending you all lots of love and light. 🧰
Thanks for reading. If there's anything you'd like to chat about, or if you have any questions, feel free to shoot me an email. I'd love to hear from you. :) 🍿