"Some believe all that their parents, tutors and kindred believe. They take their principles by inheritance, and defend them as they would their estates because they are born heirs to them."- - Alan W. Watts

Recently, I saw a bumper sticker that read "We All Live Downstream." My first response was that it seemed an accurate sentiment about life. It was, for me, another affirmation that what I do in life will affect all of those who come after me.

This is true on several different levels. From an environmental perspective, how I treat this planet becomes part of the legacy that I leave to my grandchildren's grandchildren. From a spiritual perspective, how I treat my children becomes part of my legacy to their children's children.

This point was brought home ever so clearly when my 17yearold daughter made her grand entrance, coming down the stairs in her formal gown for her first prom night. Yes, I was stunned by her maturity and beauty- my little girl, turned a radiant young woman seemingly overnight.

But what I really saw as I cleared the tears from my eyes was the continuum of the stream of life, flowing from her greatgrandparents, her grandparents, and finally through her mother and me into her.

She is the recipient of the genes and consciousness of all her family members who came before her.

This was true from the moment she was born, and it will be so as she brings her own children into this world, adding not only her genes (and mine) to the mix but the accumulation of her beliefs (and mine) about life . . . and so on it flows.

I'm grateful that she was born the same year I entered the ministry. If by no other means than osmosis she has been "marinating" in an awareness of God's presence in her life as her anchor since the day she arrived. It's obvious to me by the manner in which she lives and relates to others with reverence, selflessness and unconditional love. So I rest well assured, knowing that those who live downstream from her will be very fortunate indeed.

The teacher Jesus was very clear on this downstream principle when he said, "The sins (mistakes) of the father (parents) are passed down to the son (children)."

However, what he didn't point out is that the good character traits of the parents are passed down too. Having said this, I don't take too much of the credit for who my daughter turned out be because, frankly, there were more than a few mistakes made along the way.

Given the chance, like most parents I probably would do some things differently. I believe that her early exposure to spirituality as a lifestyle made the difference. She learned early on to define herself as a spiritual being having a human experience.

Life really is a stream into which we pour our beliefs, and all of those who come after us will be the direct beneficiaries of what we believe. The great thing is that with this awareness comes choice! As we awaken to the fact that we don't necessarily have to pass on beliefs that have not served us or others well, we can choose to eliminate them from the legacy we pass on.

The real question is: Who is it that lies downstream from you from this moment forward? It's never too late to change your legacy and gifts to future generations.

In your mind's eye, revisit the legacy of consciousness you inherited from your primary caregivers, be they your parents or others.

Have you been living from the beliefs given to you without questioning them? Do they serve you well, and will you pass them on to others downstream?

You may think that it's too late because "my children are already grown and with families of their own." The truth is it is never too late to make a difference in someone's life.

Reach out to your family in a way you may never have before. Consider volunteering for a mentor program. Become a youth church teacher. Spend time with young people.

Find a place to be a living example of unconditional love, reverence, patience and selflessness. Live consciously aware that all of life is a sacred experience, and the legacy you leave will enrich others far downstream.

Indeed . . . we all do live downstream.

Dennis Merritt Jones is the spiritual director for OneSpirit Center for Conscious Living in Simi Valley. His website is www.OneSpirit.org.