Turtle Wisdom
“When we move too fast we miss the mystical gems that are right in front of us here and now!”
Recently I was walking to my favorite sit spot at Beaver Brook near my home. Sit spot is a practice of sitting still for at least 15 minutes, preferably daily, just being with whatever surrounds us in the natural world. Cultivating this practice can be helpful to quiet the mind, and reset the the nervous system from fight/flight to a more calm and relaxed state. And just notice.
I was up and out wandering earlier than usual on this beautiful, sunny spring morning. The morning light was exquisite as I was photographing the unfurling ferns and ephemeral wildflowers along the way. The brook and river were singing loudly after heavy rain the day before, and the water was up and over the bank.
As I approached my sit spot, I was startled by the presence of a turtle sitting on the path. A wood turtle, I believe. I approached her slowly, keeping a respectable distance, introduced myself and told her I came in peace and meant no harm. And asked if I could sit with her. I received confirmation, and sat down, leaving several feet between us. I asked if I could take her photo. At first, I moved too quickly, and she retracted her head a bit, and then came out again; she seemed as curious about me as I was about her. At one point, she closed, then opened her eyes, and turned her face towards me, making direct eye contact. I thanked her for allowing me to be there, and asked if she had any messages for me. She said…Be still. Breathe. Move slowly. Be at home within yourself, wherever you are. A gentle reminder of what my heart knows to be true.
Just then, my neighbor and her sweet exuberant dog Bowie were coming toward us. Bowie ran towards me, leapt into my lap, and then noticed the turtle. Surprisingly, Turtle just sat there, in stillness with her head out, watching. It seemed she knew no harm would come to her. After Bowie and his pet mom left, Turtle began stretching her neck out further, moving her head in all directions, and turned to look directly at me. Perhaps she was smelling the river? Then she began moving slowly towards me. I got up and moved back to give her space. And she turned towards the water, walked to the edge, crawled in and submerged.
I believe that animal messengers and plants come to us when we need the medicine they offer. At just the right time, in the most perfect way. If only we can move slowly enough to hear, listen , allow and receive. Thank you Turtle.
Haiku, by MaryDonna
Turtle Medicine
Be with this moment
See the mystical gems here
One breath at a time
My journey the past many months has been allowing the “undoing of the doing” of over 40 years in a rewarding although fast paced demanding job, and several life transitions. Thank you Universe for guiding me to Nature and Forest Therapy. Quieting the chatter and noise in my head. Helping me get off of the gerbil wheel. Coming home to myself. Cultivating discernment, and listening more deeply to my inner wisdom and guides. The wisdom that comes from my heart, not my mind. From the voice of my soul, that always knows and wants what is in my highest good. And the deep knowing that Spirit, the Universe, and the Forest always have my back.
Turtle Medicine Wisdom, excerpts from 2 favorite books (see below) that can be helpful for the Shamanic perspective about animals have that crossed your path: In Native American teachings, turtle is the oldest symbol for planet earth, and is the personification of goddess energy, and the eternal Mother from which we all evolve. Turtle has few predators which gives it an innocent energy of acceptance. Live in the moment. Turtle moves to an inner drummer that is in no hurry, seeming to have no worries, plodding along at her own pace. One step at a time. Turtle warns of the dangers of “pushing the river”. When we move too fast we miss the mystical gems that are right in front of us here and now!
Medicine Cards (Jaime Sams & David Carson)
Animal Speak: The Spiritual & Magical Powers of Creatures Great and Small (Ted Andrews)
copyright MaryDonna Whyte, 5/2021, all rights reserved