The Healing Wisdom of the Turtle
We can learn a lot by watching the actions of animals. In readings, I often speak about turtle energy. The message the turtle brings is that no matter where you are in life, you have options. We all have spirit animals that we are drawn to, that we connect with and that show us a path of spiritual enlightenment.
Let’s look deeper into what the turtle represents. The turtle has a protective shell around it. Without this shell, the turtle is vulnerable to the dangers of the world and would surely die. Sometimes, the turtle hides, rests and reflects in the confines of this safe space. Other times, it peaks its head and legs out moving slowly about the earth and if it is a sea turtle it can move swiftly through the water. But no matter where it goes or what it does, it travels with its home. This home is its safe space that is surrounded with the armor of protection of the shell.
The turtle symbolizes longevity (they can live from 10 to 150 years) which is why they are also considered to be symbols of wisdom and endurance - the slow and steady journey of life. Let’s reflect on the story of the tortoise and the hare. The turtle won the race because it stayed focused and grounded. While the hare; seeing what it thought was the obvious outcome lost focus. It did other things less important including taking a nap. Upon waking noticed the tortoise was almost at the finish line and ultimately crossed before the hare. The lesson; stay focused and keep moving forward keeping the finish line in sight.
Because of their longevity, they are said to have the knowledge of life’s cycles and the concept of time. They are patient and steady moving and persevere through the physical and emotional challenges. Crawling so closely to the ground they have a sense of being rooted to the earth, naturally grounded. They adapt to the environment that surrounds them. Their shell, their home is a protective armor for safety and security.
They are considered to be where the secrets of the universe travel. They are the connection between the earthly and spiritual realm. It is thought that because they move slowly for years with their focus on finding the enlightened path. This natural ability is seen as being a healer and acquiring spiritual awareness.
Having a turtle cross your path means “life is happening in the perfect timing of the universe” also called divine timing. When we move too quickly, we tend to be unfocused. We miss life’s lessons and the wisdom the universe is offering.
I tell you all of this to explain the rest of the story. I have been reading a book by Brianne Weist that came wrapped in plastic. The title of the book “When you’re ready. This is How You Heal.” Having been in marketing years ago, there is a genius thought behind wrapping the book. It makes the book special, with all the answers tucked inside a wrapped book. It gives you the option to leave it wrapped until you are ready. Then when you pick it up, you are making the decision to start. Just by opening the wrap. It’s like tying your shoes and standing up before you decide to start your day.
I am digesting every nugget of information written on these pages. Some do not pertain to me at this time, but I have experienced the things she speaks of. Had I had this book a few years ago, things may have been a little easier. But on the other side of that thought, I may not have been ready to hear the solutions. I needed to move slowly through these things to gain the wisdom, I know I have deep within me. After digesting only a few chapters, I ordered several copies to have on hand for those going through things that a conversation with someone may not be understood. Words, when reading help you to have a deeper conversation with yourself.
The chapter entitled “If You Ever Feel Lost, Please Remember that You can Make a Home Within Your Own Heart” This is the chapter that reminded me of the turtle medicine. We carry our heart with us everywhere we go. Being connected to your heart can help you to understand the wisdom within. She said to find the courage to create your own life “Your chest is where you find peace. Your heart is where you find love. Your mind is where you find inspiration. It is no one’s job to make you feel safe. Until you are at home in your heart, peace in the world will be difficult to acquire.” That’s a real thinker. Until you are at home in your heart. Home in your heart. Peace in the world will be difficult. Peace in the world. Home in your heart equals peace in your world. So, let’s look at home in your heart. Home is a way of being. It’s a constant walk of realism, combined with solutions of moving forward. It’s not a place with four walls and a roof that you go or an idea, “there’s no place like home”. It is a way of being. It is showing up for yourself in a loving understanding way. The way you seek to resolve the past. Realizing nothing is perfect. Believing you will always be ok because we learn to adapt to situations, we figure out solutions. Resolving and committing to keep moving forward, even if it is hard to let go. Realizing you can do the hard things. Reminding yourself that you will return to peace even if you are uncomfortable now. Comfort will come. Peace will come. Slow and steady wins the race.
It’s time to wake up to the realization that when you are alive within your home, seek the safe space you have created for yourself because you are the source of your existence. You are the source of wisdom from past experiences, good and bad. You can do the hard stuff. Bring yourself back home and help others find direction in the act of being home. Healing comes. Wisdom comes. Patience comes. Slow and steady wins the race.
When I started this blog, I spoke about the movement of the turtle. Sometimes within the shell, sometimes moving slowly, sometimes diving deep into the water. No matter where you are, you are always home in your protective shell. You are gaining wisdom, persistence and longevity.
Just think, what can learn from watching the turtle. We begin to understand that sometimes slow and steady wins the race. Our ultimate goal to live the life we love and love the life we live.
Peace and blessings
Stacey
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