***Lessons from a Mountain Lion

Yesterday on the drive home from Nashville, across the prairies of Kansas and Eastern Colorado, hawks were my constant companions throughout the drive. Today, while sitting down to write some text for our Global Hug Tour, I looked out the window and saw a huge mountain lion about 40? away from our deck!

We live in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, in Boulder, CO and although mountain lions live here, we’ve never seen one at our home. Seems Mother Nature is talking to me lately and I’m now listening.

The past few weeks I’ve been swamped with the details of the Global Hug Tour. It’s still a huge dream with a lot of moving parts, and we’re watching it all fall into place- with a lot of work. There have been times that I’ve felt overwhelmed and times that I’ve felt a bit scared, wondering if I’ve bitten off too much to chew this time around.

Today, on this beautiful snowy day in the mountains, I had the time to get quiet and listen, and the Universe showed up with the answers. The Native Americans believed that the Great Spirit would send signs to you in the form of animals. So, after 50 hawks and a mountain lion, I pulled out the book, Medicine Cards, by David Carson, and read…. “Animal medicine teaches you to be observant, to look at your surroundings. Observe the obvious in everything that you do. Life is sending you signals.”

It went on to say, “Hawk energy is a clue about the magic of life being brought to you. This magic can imbue you with the power to overcome a currently stressful or difficult situation. (Ah, I like this already!) The test is your ability to observe the nuances of power lurking nearby. Pay attention! You are only as powerful as your capacity to perceive, receive, and use your abilities. Be aware of signals in your life– so notice and receive them. The hawk may be teaching you to grab an opportunity which is coming your way.”

I turned next to the mountain lion card, which said, “It is time to stand on your convictions and lead yourself where your heart takes you. Others may choose to follow and the lessons will multiply.” Considering the scope of our Global Hug Tour, isn’t that interesting!?

It went on to say “Review the purpose behind your personal beliefs. Responsibility is no more than the ability to respond to any situation. Panic is not part of this sacred medicine. Roar with conviction, roar with power and remember to roar with laughter to balance the medicine.”

Wow, this was something that I needed to hear, even if the message came to me through hawks and a mountain lion! These words resonated and reminded me that I am a small part of something so much bigger and I have very little to worry about.

If I put the two cards together, “An opportunity is here- grab it! Roar with conviction, roar with power and remember to laugh along the way”. That gives me confidence to take the next step, and makes me smile and feel less concerned about the how.

Nature has always been my teacher when I’ve taken the time to pay attention and listen. And just like the lion this morning, if I hadn’t been looking at the exact spot where he passed by, I would have missed him. How many times in life have opportunities passed me by because I wasn’t paying attention?

I’ve lived here for 2 years and this is the first time I’ve ever seen a lion at our home. I doubt this is the first time he’s walked this path. Could this be the first time I paid attention? I noticed the hawks- all 50 of them, but it still took a lion to really get my attention and make me turn within. Okay, I’m listening. I’m watching.

I promise to pay attention to every little detail in my life too, at least for today. If I get a telephone call and think I’m too busy to return it now, I’ll return it anyway knowing that serendipity will show up- if I pay attention. I’ll listen to the wee small voice inside, knowing that all is perfect and I’ll follow the nudges that I hear. I’m paying attention to my thoughts and feelings too and I’ll look for the magic, knowing that it is already here.

An opportunity is here and I’m roaring with conviction, roaring with power and I’m also laughing along the way. Thanks to the hawks and to the mountain lion for showing up. I’m embarrassed that it took so many hawks and even a lion to help me wake up to the beauty around me.

And as I write this last paragraph, the sun is breaking through, the snow has stopped and in my fluffy white, snow covered world, everything is perfect. I am grateful for the animals, for the lessons, for the challenges, and for your friendship. I am blessed.