Beaver Traits

Beavers have been around for a very long time.  We see them from time to time at dusk in the Bow River.  I find them fascinating because they are caretakers of the Earth and water managers.

Beaver was sitting across the channel, on the bank, looking for some tender young trees and, keeping an eye on the dogs and on me.  Beaver has been in this channel for about four years.  She has created several good dams, and she has helped change the eco system of the channel and the river.  The channel now has young trout in it.

Beaver has some traits that humans can use.  They are:

• when you see water that is stagnant and mucky, find a way to clean it up.  You may have to get dirty to do it; it will be worth it. 
• being industrious leads you to discover new ways of doing things.  So, be busy when it is required – as when you need to fix your den, the dam, or gather food for winter.  When you are not busy, play and socialize. 
• when somebody says that “it can’t be done”, go ahead and do it anyway.  See the picture below of the world’s biggest beaver dam.

  

  

The dam is located on the southern edge of Wood Buffalo National Park in Northern Alberta, Canada Photo: BNPS 

 

 

• understand that there is a shortage of fresh water.  Beavers know how to maximize fresh water and aerate it to create a healthy environment for fish and wildlife.

Many blessings,

Judy

Understanding Patience

 

When you plant seeds in the garden, you don’t dig them up every day to see if they have sprouted yet. You simply water them and clear away the weeds; you know that the seeds will grow in time. Similarly, just do your daily practice and cultivate a kind heart. Abandon impatience and instead be content creating the causes for goodness; the results will come when they’re ready.  Bhikshuni Thubten Chodron, “Meditator’s Toolbox”

I watch people and I see their impatience.  I understand it because I was quite impatient in many things for a very long time.  I have come to understand that when I have no expectations of others, then, I have no impatience.

Many blessings,

Judy

Cougar Watches - Spirit Animal

My friends have a Cougar or Mountain Lion, living in their forest behind their house and farm yard.  You can tell when it is in the trees, watching who is coming and going, because all the horses move to the fence closest to it, and watch back.  The horses stamp their feet and neigh, and then after a while, go back to grazing.

When I was in meditation, I contemplated the Cougar and why it was watching the yard so intently.  It seems that it is watching for something that is not in the highest interests of the people and other animals.  This Cougar, so far, has not attacked the dog, chickens, horses, or cattle. Cougar seems to be well fed and unconcerned about the animals roaming about.  

Cougar, in this case, seems very guardian-like.  At night, sometimes, my friends can hear the Cougar make its coughing roar.  It is very much like a warning to stay away.  It is true that legends tell of the great cat who protects tribal villages, and warns the tribe when danger is coming.  

Perhaps this gift of service from Cougar is being reinstated with my friends.  I am looking forward to meeting Cougar out in Nature, at their place. 

Many blessings,

Judy