ANIMAL WISDOM: LESSON FROM TURTLE
“
Animals are not only beholders of great beauty,
but they are also beholders of ancient wisdom.”
~ Molly Friedenfeld
In Native American and other indigenous cultures, there is a reverent belief that animals perceive reality in ways we don't yet understand and with a depth of wisdom we don't yet appreciate.
We hear a lot these days about the intelligence and sensitivity of dolphins, whales, elephants, and other animals.
Perhaps you have heard about animal totems too. The idea is that when an animal shows up in a significant way, perhaps repeatedly or in an unusual setting, either in dreams or waking life, there is guiding life lesson for us from that animal.
In the past, I've had bears and dogs appear in ways that called for my attention. Oh, a snake too.
At Caneel Bay on the island of St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands, (where Frank I vacationed two weeks ago) while there were many donkeys, deer, and mongoose to see each day, it was the clearly the sea turtle that carried a message for me. See if that message resonates at all for you.
First, about the turtle encounter...
I saw several each day. Each time I did, I felt a sense of awe. But I actually cried out (without making a sound because my face was in the water) when I spotted a particular one while I snorkeled. I then hovered directly over her and watched while she nibbled on sea grasses. She seemed to be smiling. I got even nearer when she swam upward right beside me to surface for air.
So what might this mean?
In
Spirit Animal
, Elena Harris writes,
"The turtle totem wisdom teaches us about walking our path in peace and sticking to it with determination and serenity. Slow moving on earth, yet also incredibly fast and agile in water, those who have the turtle as totem or spirit animal, may be encouraged to take a break in their busy lives and look around or within themselves for more grounded, long-lasting solutions. Traditionally, the turtle is symbolic of the way of peace, whether it’s inviting us to cultivate peace of mind or a peaceful relationship with our environment."
All of this rings true for me. Might the last part be something we all need to heed?
With reverence,
Charlene