Like snakes detecting vibrations on the earth’s surface, we can refine our discernment by being attentive to sacred subtleties. Considering new ways of knowing can open us to union’s path.
While Rabbit reminds us to run from predators, Snake teaches that deadly venom can also, in small doses, heal. Sometimes, in facing our worst fears, we obtain the very medicine we need to move forward.
Snake also begs us to leave the past behind. But how can we shed yesterday without a willingness to let go of our old paradigms? Holding on to old ways of seeing may be the god we secretly worship to our own demise.
In the more palatable illustration, Snake’s eyes cloud over while she sloughs off dead skin and converts herself to newness. Creating changes makes little difference if we continue to cling to old patterns of seeing. What if, instead of fighting the inevitable, we could curiously live through the discomfort and into Spirit’s gift to us?
In our struggle, we may appreciate, even improve with counsel and companionship that comes alongside of us; however, transforming any throbbing grief requires that we turn to Sacred within and wait with eyes glazed over. Like Snake shedding her skin, in due time, we too will reopen our eyes to newness of life.
The harsher image of Snake eating her tail is, in part, a metaphor for transcending our personal pain. Digesting what is behind us integrates the past into the present. It can cause additional hurt, in the immediate, because it is an inner journey that requires facing the entirety of who we are. The gift, in the end, is wholeness.
By continuing to live, measuring everything against our same old, outer standards, we push away transforming experiences of union with God. If, though, we can embrace the lessons that Life has personally given to us, we free ourselves from either/or and often find a kinder third way. There we begin thriving in relationship with all that is sacred.
Rabbit taught me to be gentle with myself and alerted me to fatal situations. Giving attention to sacred subtleties with Snake opened me to the quiet voice saying, walk this way, not that.
Sacred Ruminations*