Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, a Memoir with Reflection and Writing Prompts
Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors,
a Memoir with Reflection and Writing Prompts
by
Diana Raab
My latest and 14th book, Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, was written during the Covid-19 pandemic. It poured out of me over a short period of time. The book was inspired by a daily hummingbird visit outside my writing studio in California. Some people would call this a spiritual memoir, others a personal memoir, but it’s actually a combination of the two.
The book focuses on hummingbird messages that I received from loved ones who have departed. Readers have commented that it offers a unique perspective on ancestral ties, as I examine the profound connection between three generations of women—me, my mother, and grandmother. I also address the deep love of storytelling I’ve had since an early age and how this has been the basis of my lifelong passion for writing.
The book also highlights my relationship with my mother and maternal grandmother—who played a significant role in my upbringing until her tragic passing when I was just ten years old. I weave together our stories, showcasing the powerful impact they have had on my life. I also discuss impact of intergenerational trauma and healing, which often stays with us throughout our life span. I have done a fair amount of research in this area, as I truly believe that our bodies remember.
At the same time, I often think about all that my ancestors encountered, such as world wars, pandemics, and illnesses. I realize how, regardless of what curve balls life passed to them, they always tried to find the light in their lives. This trait has been passed down to me; I believe that choosing the light is the only healthy way to survive when dealing with catastrophes. Some also call this positive thinking.
At the end of each chapter in Hummingbird, I’ve included reflection or writing prompts. In sharing my personal experiences, my hope is that readers will more easily be able to unlock their own stories. My wish is that they accept my invitation to embark on a journey of self-discovery and ancestral connection. As journaling advocate and someone who teaches writing for healing and transformation, I encourage readers to engage in the transformative practice of writing to deepen their connection with themselves and their own ancestors. Therefore, the prompts provide a unique and valuable opportunity for self-reflection and creative expression.
I also discuss the types of signs that our ancestors send us, such as visitations of hummingbirds, butterflies, dropped pennies, or flashing lights. If we stop to pay attention, we can pick up their messages and be reminded that we are not alone. My hope is that readers will also find wisdom and comfort in connecting with their own ancestors, whether they are relatives, mentors, or places.
Other subjects covered in Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, include the importance of self-awareness, love, and compassion in all realms of life. The final chapter is devoted to our legacies. I believe that we all want to be remembered for something after our own departure, and the chapter helps us identify what that might be. I have dedicated this book to my children, and great grandchildren to come.
This year I turn 70 and as I approach this last chapter of my life, I’m pulled into understanding the wisdom of my ancestors. I also believe that we’re at a time in history when reaching for wisdoms and guidance helps us navigate what feels like a lot of global chaos. As someone who takes good care of herself and has yet faced three cancer diagnoses, I have many unanswered questions. Communicating with my ancestors has been very comforting and affirming in this regard.
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Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors
Explore the depths of love and loss across three generations of women
Hummingbird is a spiritual memoir about the connection between three generations of women–the author, her mother and her beloved maternal grandmother whose wisdoms taught the author how to exist in the world by following her intuition and listening to her heart. Follow Diana on a journey of more than five decades as an author, nurse, research psychologist, teacher, cancer survivor, and more. With insightful prompts, the reader is also invited to explore their own ancestral connections.
“…Raab offers poignant and thoughtful insights to help us heal intergenerational trauma. Raab rightly reminds us that our ancestors live on in us and we are invited to call on them anytime we need help…” — SONIA CHOQUETTE, New York Times bestselling author, The Answer is Simple and Ask Your Guides
“Diana Raab knows the terrain of the human heart… she invites readers to reflect upon their own life’s journeys and to use writing and journaling to navigate a pathway for healing…” — TERRA TREVOR, author of We Who Walk the Seven Ways
“Hummingbird is not only a poignant spiritual memoir, it is an invitation. Raab is accessible and authentic… She opens hearts and deftly offers insightful prompts, sweetly encouraging the reader’s collaboration.” — MARILYN KAPP, author of Love is Greater Than Pain
“With disarming honesty, Raab slows down our jittery minds to share the intimacies of experiencing trauma and healing self-care in a way that they feel as normal as sleeping and eating… A safety net for the reader to explore their own path to hope.” — TRISTINE RAINER, author of Your Life as Story, and The New Diary
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Diana Raab, MFA, PhD, is a memoirist, poet, workshop leader, thought-leader and award-winning author of fourteen books. Her work has been widely published and anthologized. She frequently speaks and writes on writing for healing and transformation.
Her latest memoir is Hummingbird: Messages from My Ancestors, A memoir with reflection and writing prompts (Modern History Press, 2024). Raab writes for Psychology Today, The Wisdom Daily, The Good Men Project, Thrive Global, and is a guest blogger for many others. Visit her at: https:/www.dianaraab.com.
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