Most friends are aware from firsthand experiences with me, that I
have a huge appreciation for animal totems.
I’m a hippie dippy believer that there is a deeper,
symbolic meaning associated with animals,
and that quite a bit of information
related to our spiritual nature can be derived from any critter or creature that cross our paths:
large or small, feathered, finned or furry.
My parents and aunt challenge family members
to consider what we are thinking about at the exact moment a circling hawk catches
our eye, or what larger meaning is being represented by the grizzly bear in our
dream. It’s powerful stuff!
I’d guess this curiosity sprung from my parents’ interest in
Native American culture. Growing up in a historic colonial house in
Connecticut, you’d likely be surprised to see all the Hopi Kachina dolls, beaded
jackets and woven baskets in our home.
My childhood dresser drawers and bookshelves
are filled with old buttons showcasing Chief Joseph, tiny beaded Indian dolls and
Zuni animal fetishes.
When my sisters and I were little, our family vacations consisted of car rides
through dusty deserts and red rocked canyons. And at the time, we found it all
a bit goofy – can’t we just go to Club
Med like everyone else in the 5th grade?! But with a little
distance between the Arizona desert and myself, I realized a handful of years
ago how lucky we were to grow up in a family that put a strong emphasis on
respecting all living things. We were raised not only to appreciate nature, but
also to learn from it.
This past weekend friends and I were up in the Sierras,
closing up our winter ski lease.
On our way to lunch, we saw a mountain lion.
Guys
– I know. I freaked.
We couldn't be sure if our eyes deceived us, so we turned
around and high tailed it back to where we saw him. He was gone by the time we
got back to the sighting, but I peppered people with questions about mountain
lions in the area, and we took to the Internet and confirmed what we saw.
A
rare spotting in North Lake - but saw one, we did.
The message being sent through
this animal is a powerful and personal
one – most applicable to me, is the reminder to act in a way that is true to self
– and tune out the noise from others.
Here is what we can derive from seeing the mountain lion: “Be
graceful and easy in all you do; build your courage and use it to follow your
heart, not allowing others to control your actions. You must claim your
leadership abilities and start down the path you know is right. Trust the
process and live your life with pure integrity. Incorporate the courage,
strength, integrity and power the mountain lion represents.”
Amazing.
Happy, Monday friends.
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