I’m a Leo and I strongly identify with the lion as my spirit animal. I am the queen of the jungle, ready for the thrill of a chase, fiercely protective, and regal in my repose. I’m also the big kitten of the Strength card who enjoys loving head rubs. Literally. Ask my husband. Even though the lion is my inner animal, I realize I have much to learn from all of God’s creations. This week my spirit guides have come in the form of squirrels.
Squirrels are pretty common animals here in the Northeast. I don’t typically give them much thought when I see them, but I have learned to listen when the Universe speaks. A few days ago when I was in my kitchen preparing breakfast I spotted movement out the corner of my eye. When I turned to see what it was I saw a squirrel running around on one of my patio chairs. In that moment I was completely enthralled with this squirrel and his squirrely activities. I even called my son in to watch with me. As I said, squirrels in my yard are frequent occurrences, so my interest in watching this particular one was unusual. Of course, I soon forgot about my furry friend and went about my day.
A day or two after noticing the squirrel exploring the patio chairs I spotted a squirrel couple frolicking in the backyard. These two squirrels were having a fantastic time teasing and chasing each other. They were having a ball. For the second time in about as many days I found myself completely absorbed in the lives of squirrels. Okay, Universe. I’m listening. What’s the message? What is it I need to know right now? Answer: Play!
If you have ever observed squirrels for even a few seconds then you know they are very playful animals. Squirrels love to run and jump and climb. Do you know what other animals love to run and jump and climb? Children. From the time they are able to crawl, children entertain themselves by climbing and moving as fast as they can. Baby-proofing is a multi-billion dollar industry for a reason. Monkey bars, slides, and firehouse poles are standard playground equipment because kids like to climb and jump, but as we grow older, we do less and less of these activities. When we do run, jump, or climb as adults it’s usually something we feel obligated to do as part of a fitness routine. It’s not necessarily something we do purely for fun.
As a wife, mother, entrepreneur, student, and employee, my task list is endless. I often feel overwhelmed and exhausted by all the work there is to do. By the time I do have a few minutes to myself all I want to do is nothing, so I scroll through my social media feed and surf the web. What I don’t do is play. I don’t live in the moment and let life happen enough. These squirrels reminded me of that, so I am consciously saying “Yes!” to those things that will bring me joy. When my daughter asked to do my makeup before heading out to celebrate my son’s birthday, “Yes!” When she wants to play a seemingly endless game of Monopoly on a Friday night when I can barely keep my eyes open, “Yes!” Doing these things enables me to connect with my inner child. As a bonus, I’m creating priceless memories with the people I love the most.
If squirrels have been a noticeable presence in your life lately the Universe may be telling you that you need to get out and play. But, they may also be encouraging you to embrace another one of these squirrel-like behaviors. Squirrels are notorious hoarders. So much so, that to “squirrel away” is a phrase often used to mean hoarding. What in your life do you need to pay more attention to? What resources should you be saving and caring for? Are you squandering your time, money, or love? Your guides are encouraging you to be a better steward of these gifts and store them carefully, so they will be available when you need them.
When squirrels hide nuts they only find about 10% of them later. So what happens to the other 90% of squirrel bounty? It remains buried, but it does not go to waste. The squirrel’s buried treasure is watered and bathed in sunlight. Eventually those nuts sprout and grow into trees and other plants. These plants then continue to support the ecosystem, providing food and/or shelter for generations of squirrels and other animals to come. What seeds do you need to start planting? There will be no reward for you to reap if you fail to plant the seeds. Start that business. Begin that course. Hit the gym. Plan this week’s meals. Plant those seeds that you’ve been holding in your palm, so that they can begin to grow. A year from now you will be so glad you did.
How can you embrace your inner squirrel? Go stand on your head! Open that IRA! Start meditating!
Peace, Love, & Light,
Crystal
Listen to the Squirrels… podcast episode here: