God and My Spirit Guides: a Thought

Native American peoples had an intensely personal relationship with their surroundings. Animals were not just hunted for sport or food. The hides were made into clothing. Bones were used as tools and decorations. But, it’s even more complex than this. Animals were family. They shared secrets with the People and guided them, too. They could be omens of the future. They showed how to prepare for upcoming weather or seasons. Many times an animal would become a spirit guide, or totem, teaching through dreams or during meditation. These guides often talked to the People, but sometimes they simply lead them through a series of pictures or visions. Different animals meant different things to each person. Sometimes they would lend their strength. They could, also, help identify weaknesses or places where skill building was necessary. The shaman would often assist the People to recognize their individual guides and what they should know about them. The time, place, direction, color or health of a guide could tell many stories about the person sensing them. I say sensing because sight was not the only clue. Sometimes a person would hear, smell or “feel” a guide that was never seen. Not all guides were always helpful. Some were sent to confuse or test the People. Coyote was a known trickster, but she was cunning, too. Much could be learned from Coyote. Spirit guides could change throughout lifetimes. There could be one or many to help the person through each stage, season or section of life. Some never understood who or what their guide was. Others were on intimate terms with them. I think that a healthy life would include many guides, some of which were for life and others would be seasonal. It’s interesting to observe an animal you have an affinity for or like to watch or admire. I like to close my eyes and pray. While I pray, different visions flow through my thoughts. Many times I’ve gained valuable insights by paying attention to those visions. I know when Wolf shows her face I’m about to learn something new or teach something to someone else. When I feel anxious, Whale often comes and takes me through the oceans to relax and calm down. It’s odd that I feel this way about Whale, because when I’m awake, drowning is one of my biggest fears. But when she takes me there is no fear or danger. I think it’s her song and her size that comfort me. Many of my guides are like Whale in that they are animals that would frighten me or make me feel nervous in face-to-face encounters. But, as my guides they feel comfortable. I think they are beautiful to look at. I like to read about them and study them. However, I would never approach them in the wild like I do in my visions. We often dismiss the wonders of the world out of fear. I think some people would think I’m crazy or that I’m not a “real” Christian if they knew how I feel. Spirituality is so very personal. I believe that it is God speaking to me through these guides. I think He uses animals with me because I trust animals more than people. People have their own agendas. Animals, for the most part, are instinctual and more attuned to what is happening around them. People are self-centered. We believe the world revolves around us. Animals are more involved as an actual part of nature. We change the things around us to fit our needs. Animals adapt to what is happening to them. People will smile at someone they don’t like or don’t want to have around. Animals always let you know when you are welcome or unwanted. I would like, someday, to go on a vision quest, just me, God, my spirit guide and my journal. This is the ultimate vacation dream. In my mind I picture myself sitting in a private place with some water source nearby. Water is very soothing to me. I would close my eyes, clear my mind, listen to the water sounds and allow God to lead me. I wonder which animal He would send to guide me to Him or His lesson? This, I think, would be the coolest thing ever! How awesome is a God who doesn’t strike me down for liking nature more than sermons for revealing Himself to me? What a treasure is this earth He has placed us on, created for us? We need to love her back. We need to slow down so we can watch her and learn from her. Many lessons can be learned by observing nature as a gift from God, rather than a force to be overcome. We have separated ourselves in artificial packages. We are constantly striving to manipulate and shape our surroundings. We call it civilization or progress. It feels cold, sterile and foreign to me. Come to me Wolf and Whale. Take me to God. Show me how to listen to Him. Teach me to trust and obey His plan for me.