The Mighty Mountain Lion

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. 

(family collection) 

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 5^th 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. 

Mini Donk Kind of Day

I love you mini donkeys,

hanging among the perfect hedges

in the Hamptons.

 image from elle decor

Stay fresh.

xo

To the Water I Go

I am a believer that the following things have powerful healing powers:

The sun, the water, and animals. 

When I need to clear my mind,  I almost always find myself setting out towards the water.

 It is a subconscious reaction when I feel overwhelmed. 

Earlier this week, I set off towards the water.

It was dusk, and a quite hush was rolling into the city off the bay.

Twinkling lights of the night began to pop up along the horizon,

and buoys gently bobbed  themselves to sleep.

I stood on the water's edge, and I looked out past the bridge.

Mindful to steady my breath, slow down my heartbeat, settle my thoughts.

I allowed the sound of the lapping water to calm me down,

and when it felt like enough, I began my journey home.

 image is my own

It was on my walk back, past the boats tucked into the marina for the night,

that I heard a playful splash.

I stopped and I watched and sure enough,

a little baby seal was splish splashing among the docks!
I was mesmerized, and couldn't help but think
the little guy was there and doing this, just for me. 
I stayed and watched the seal for a twenty minutes or so,
until we both seemed to decide that it was time to go.
I headed back up the hills of San Francisco,
calm and happy and
hopeful to wake up to sunshine in the morning.