~ instinctual, sensitive to the subtle, dreamer ~
The lizard is an expert in the realm of sensory perception. As if it has a sixth sense, the lizard hears what is yet to be spoken, and sees what is yet to manifest. Although this is an amazing gift, it can easily wear the lizard down. Big crowds, lots of travel, or overstimulation will drain lizard of their magical essence. This card is an indication to pull back from the bright lights and big city and return to the inner artist, who's been whispering your name.
when in balance ~ artistic, telepathic, spiritual
when out of balance ~ elusive, non-committal, flaky
to bring into balance ~ a creative project
Hello friends! :) Welcome to week 18 of our yoga series - exploring this life through the symbolism of the animal kingdom. Each creature represents a different aspect of our human journey, helping us to better understand and connect to our inner and outer worlds. Every 5 weeks in our yoga classes, we cycle through each of the 5 elements (earth, water, fire, air, space) and their respective animals in this card deck.
Last week, the starfish of the water element asked us to go deeper... to see past the way we may "appear" ... the superficialness which we so easily get caught up in and obsessed with... and to listen to those dreams and callings that live beneath the surface.
This week, we reunite with the fire element, which relates to our transformation and purification. The lizard is a magical creature. She bears the gifts of intuition, of subtle perception... she is tapped in to the spiritual currents that swirl around us, but that are invisible to most. She hears the whispers of the earth. These powers allow the lizard to be deeply connected and attuned to the spiritual realm, translating this wisdom into action and creative pursuits. However, because she is so sensitive, if she is around too much busyness and noise for too long, she can get overwhelmed and drained.
It is a beautiful practice to retreat. And how often do we really do this? To say, "okay world, okay society, okay 'doing things', I need a breather. See ya later" and just really do nothing?
I'm definitely guilty of recognizing "oh I need some rest" and making "resting" and "relaxing activities" another thing TO DO. I relate to it as something productive... another thing to get done... and so I'm not truly relaxing. And so I don't exit that period of time feeling rejuvenated. It's like missing a night of sleep because I was so busy TRYING to sleep that I didn't rest at all, and so I get to check it off my list, but I continue on feeling exhausted.
Our society praises and rewards productivity. We base much of our worth on our accomplishments. So when we're feeling "out of commission" an added layer of guilt or pressure is often lobbed on top of our already low-energy state. Society does not praise the retreat. We aren't praised for resting. There is no one to blame for this, it's just how the human species has evolved. So, to continue to evolve, we make the necessary shifts... and this starts with the individual.
To retreat is a beautiful thing. It is not running away, it's not giving up - it's recognizing that we are not machines meant to crank out as much product as possible. We are mysterious creatures... and actually by allowing yourself to retreat, you return to your "to-dos" with much more enthusiasm, efficiency, effectiveness, and creative fire. Sometimes you need to step away from the term paper or the painting and revisit it later with fresh eyes. But this isn't all for the sake of productivity. It's in those spaces of "not needing to do anything" that we can feel so deeply connected to simply being alive. It's freedom. In that space there is no one to be, nothing to do, nothing to prove... you don't owe anything to anyone. You are not in debt to your own experience. You are worthy of being alive and worthy of feeling love simply because you are here. To retreat is to return to that place inside that reminds you that you are home.
That stillness is nurturing, nourishing, and restoring. It is where we receive. We receive energy, peace, love... we receive a glimpse into the mysteries of life, we receive messages of guidance and inspiration... we receive a break, a pause from the constant noise of work, and toil, and exchange. This kind of receiving is different from "getting" something. It's emptying yourself so that you can be filled with spirit.
In some religions, there is a sacred day of Sabbath. Originally this "sabbath" didn't just mean you go to church or temple as it is often superficially appropriated as today. "Oh yeah I go to church on Sundays, check!" Originally, sabbath was observed in the recognition that it is very easy to get so lost in the whirl of all the work and things to do - so lost that we lose touch with our soul. So once per week, a sabbath was observed, so that people would remain in touch with their soul. It was a day of rest and worship.
What if we were to gift ourselves with this concept? A day of rest? To turn off your phone a bury it in a drawer. To have an adventure. To drive to the mountains and simply sit among the trees. To cook a loving meal to share with your body or perhaps a friend as well. To spend an hour just staring into the sky, curious as to what the clouds might show you. To get lost in a book, or to write your own story. To drink more water than you normally would, and be in water more than you normally would. Or maybe you spend the whole day locked indoors with blankets and fruit and coloring books and candles. With the opportunity to sit still... or dance wildly... and listen beautiful music or to create it. The possibilities are endless; it's a day that is completely yours: to worship and remember this gift of life. It's one day where your relationship with reality is not concerned with your survival or gain. One day to feel truly free.
And if you TRULY can't spare one day per week, could you even do just one a month? And how ridiculous is it that many of us will say "ah that sounds nice, that'd probably be really good for me, but I just can't, I'm far too busy." I personally intend to reorganize my priorities and schedule so I can set aside a day weekly for a true retreat. To recharge, reconnect, and simply enjoy being alive without any mind for purpose or outcome or accomplishment. To just play.
The lizard experiences natural cycles of action and of rest. They are both equally important - they fuel each other - they fuel the lizard's growth. And by allowing herself time to rest and play, the lizard's magic is restored. She can continue to share her gifts with the world from an overflowing cup.
Next week, the firefly of the air element teaches us to recognize the sparks of inspiration and creativity that ignite from within - and how to recognize, catch, and act upon these fleeting gifts before they're gone.
dream extreme!
♡ kat
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