Teachings from the Hedgehog and the Lotus

"...I invite anyone who chooses to do so, to take a natural object...and contemplate what that natural object tells you about how to bring your intention forward into 2010." (That was Raffi guiding our storytelling circle through the circle's closing.)

So I looked at the collection of husks, twigs, berries, and seed pods lying on the paper. And for some reason, I was drawn to an unassuming little half of a seed-pod. It kind of reminded me of a hedgehog, the way the pod's fuzzy little spines blossomed out. By chance, I flipped the pod over and was delighted to see what looked like a blooming lotus on the back!

I sat with the two sides to my natural object - the Hedgehog and the Lotus...the Outer and the Inner. What follows are the teachings they imparted:

THE HEDGEHOG
Hedgehogs make me think of Numo the Hedgehog, which makes me think of Brandy Agerbeck. I am in love with Brandy Agerbeck. (Well, not "in LOVE" with her, but you know what I mean...) Brandy is a graphic facilitation goddess and otherwise totally awesome energy who embodies what I want to do with my life: make a good living doing what I love in an amazingly authentic way. (Check out her website to see what I mean!) Completely and authentically herself, creative and wild, inspiring, self sufficient, talented, skilled and skillful, in demand, wonderfully fun and quirky, accessible and easy to find. That chick manifests much of what I want to create for my life. Or perhaps "unleash" would be the better word.

And no, I've never actually met her. She's still my hero.

My Hedgehog tells me:
- Somewhere out there are people who didn't/don't realize just how happy they would be to discover someone like you even exists in the world!
- People need to be able to find you to be able to connect with you and work with you in amazing ways. Put yourself out there and make yourself available.
- Quills down, please. When you're tense or feeling defensive, your quills come up. Your quills go down when you relax. Try having your tummy stroked...it's a surefire way to chill out a hedgehog! Mmmm...strokey tummy...
- You are not like other people. Don't try to be. Be who you are...with relish! Go singing forth into the new year as yourself, and prepare to be amazed at what comes to you.

THE LOTUS
The lotus is radiating outward, blossoming, and looks almost like a crown. There's a wee dot at the bottom center, like the jewel in the lotus. Its design is balanced and beautiful, it smells wonderful, seeing it inspires the soul. It's delicate and strong at the same time--resilient, growing from mud and in mud. The lotus is more than the sum of its petals radiating upward--it is pure, powerful, and connected.

My Lotus tells me:
Radiating upward from the jewel in the center, the lotus frames my spirit and light. Completely and utterly herself, my spirit manifests in this world through my creativity, joy, and works, making me widely accessible and easy to find. I get to do what I love, live a wonderful life, and earn a good living doing it!

Or, in other words: Let it Shine.

I think 2010 is going to be a very good year...