Totems

The Beauty of Totems

Standing proudly is the thunderbird totem, its carvings took time, its been worn by weather, sun, rain... standing tall among the trees, even on a cloudy day its colors are bold...Totem poles are wonderful examples of aboriginal art - the ancient practice of totem carving has been handed down through the generations as a way of preserving the history of local native heritage across the lands, as well as honouring tribal rituals and sacred spirits of people. Each tells a story; each honouring and keeping the ancestors and spirits alive.

This picture was taken in Victoria Canada a few years ago, it held magic and spoke loudly to me.

I've written about finding one's animal totem in Healing Heartaches and in several blogs, and I've often talked about  journalling as a tool to assist in finding that animal guide or totem that best fits a person. I cannot begin to suggest what particular animal or spirit may be calling to anyone at any particular time. But if you are attune to your surroundings and to your life rhythms, you will find yourself drawn to a certain animal spirit... you will know when it is right.

The same can be said of things that we enjoy; art, music, t.v. shows and the like. They come to us at different times and it is often determined by our mood or our circumstance. There may be a day when classical music is just right and at other times smooth jazz is the right fit! Life is like that, forever in transition, constantly moving with the fluidity of change. The constant seems to be in the rolling in and out of the tide; we can be reasonably sure that it will roll in and roll out again... just as we can be sure not to turn our back on the ocean, she may surprise us!

Yes, it is true as one reader commented yesterday, I am human... I am, always have been! Yes, again it is true, I do hate Cancer... always have, probably always will. I admit it freely.

But I do not have a hate list... I do not believe it is necessary or worthy of my energy. And as a rule I do not hate. It is just not in my nature, at least not that I am aware of. Perhaps I am not even using the word correctly for my description of Cancer, perhaps now that I think about it... I should simply say, "Cancer Sucks". Yes, that sounds much better. So, I guess I do not hate anything in so now we have that settled I guess.

Yes, if we go through the storms of life we are more appreciative of the rainbows, but then again I am appreciative of most things most of the time... so I don't need to be cold to appreciate the warm rays of the sun! I will however agree to appreciate Old Man's Winter, and I will bask in the sun of summer as well. 

If I give you permission to grieve, I too must give you permission to experience joy ! If I give you permission to cry, I too must give you permission to laugh with wild abandon...

That is the body-mind-spirit connection.

The reality is, I do not have the power to grant permission to anyone... I am but one person; I am but me, sharing my thoughts.

As for addresses for those of you who are wanting to perform random acts of kindness for others:  If the address idea of Walter Reed did not work out, which I don't quite understand as it worked for Christmas cards for our soldiers, I would invite you to do a search online for an organization that you can write to or send cards to ...

I am a firm believer of empowering others... if you are reading these blogs, you have access to the computer, so go forth and succeed! I wish you great success, but I really do not have the time to find the resources for you and that would really be taking part of the fun out of the whole process wouldn't it?

The Thunderbird's name comes from the common belief that the beating of its enormous wings causes thunder and stirs the wind. Perhaps that is why it is often seen on top of the totem poles! A very powerful image is that... to think a bird could beat its wings hard enough to cause thunder and stir the wind. One can only imagine what we could do if we were to just try... just move out of our comfort zone, out of our circumstance with the intensity of desire, the want of doing a little at a time and determination of thunderbird. Start small and work tall. Start with an idea and move to a thought, from there to an action... from there to a plan... from there... work the plan!  Be the change you want to see. Next thing you know the winds of change are happening and it will be a result of you moving your wings, your mind, your spirit and soul.

There were totems all over BC I noticed while there visiting, each with their own story, their carvings bringing the aged wood to life with colors and stories. The rich history and wisdom known best to the carver, often told by the shop keepers and those who were local in the towns. What a wonderful way to keep history alive, don't you think?

Thinking about your totems, your spirit/animal guides... remember you can often find small carvings or stone carvings in Native American shops or bead/rock/New Age stores that sell crystals, etc... Folks will then usually make a small pouch/medicine bag or just carry their special totem in their purse/pocket with them, keeping it nearby at all times. It provides comfort when needed!

I hope you are having a blessed day; a day of warmth, a day of balance including a bit of fun and laughter!

Walk In Beauty

Tell all your friends about Healing Heartaches... the moccasin telegraph is powerful medicine and great advertising! Spread the word, knowing that I thank you!!!

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