The big bad wolf stood on the other side of the door and I became a child again. I could feel Little Red Riding Hood’s cape around my shoulders. That’s when I heard the raspy whisper, “What would happen if you introduced another character into your story?” Without thinking, I tucked myself deep in Coyote’s haunches and opened the door.
The visitor growled and spoke of potential barking to come. Coyote gave me courage to live beyond my usual self. I flung the door wide open and said, “Welcome, _______. Come in, bark away”.
During my visitor’s short stay, I pretended that I was sitting with someone in crisis. I detached and welcomed each jab as a tender promising moment that had been violated against the other at an earlier time in life. This was our first meeting and my visitor knew nothing about me. How could it be personal? It was easier than I imagined; but after all, Trickster was with me.
Coyote teaches us to laugh at our serious selves, by offering levity in difficult situations. His message is indirect. He likes to keep us in a state of wonder. As soon as we attach to something, like a relationship, Coyote appears and tricks us, by taking it away. When we willingly let go, Coyote dangles its sacredness before us, inviting us to give it another chance.
One of the constants throughout my life has been encouraging people to live into True Self. Once we are honest with ourselves, Sacred Within offers occasional masks to stir up fresh energy. We do not realize the latent strengths lying deep inside until we invite them to come forth.
At a time when I was trying too hard, I chose to nestle deep in Coyote’s haunches and trust the flow. It was just the pluck I needed. To this day and many moons later, I have to smile because I am still in relationship with the wolf, not so big or bad after all.
Who is knocking on your front door?