Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!

Have you ever wondered why you are attracted to certain animals? These members of the natural world are your power animals transmitting information to your soul. They actually choose you. Pay attention and get to know them and they will help you know yourself and navigate your life with more ease.

I am a tiger. I was born in 1962, the year of the tiger and have always been fascinated by these fierce creatures, the largest cat species. Like tigers, I’m strong, sensual, fierce, impulsive (oops), resilient, and confident. (Tigers have about a 50% success rate when it comes to killing their prey.) I love adventure and freedom and know that the best way for me to overcome obstacles and fears is by staying calm and in my place of power. However, unless I take care of myself, I burn out easily, because like tigers I have lots of energy and enthusiasm, but lack stamina. This is why I make self-care and R & R a top priority and practice self-compassion, which helps me manage strong emotions more effectively.

For years I acted more like a dog than a powerful cat, endlessly trying to appease and please others. While few animals dare to challenge tigers, who are at the top of the food chain, I allowed myself to be controlled and criticized on a daily basis by my ex husband who’s power animal is the monkey. (Tigers are uncomfortable and annoyed by monkeys.) My stifling, unfulfilling marriage left me drained, miserable, and inauthentic rather than passionate and hungry for life.

Ironically, I coach women at midlife. I help them let go of who they think they’re supposed to be and embrace who they are and find the energy, confidence and courage to make their next chapter their best chapter. Yet, prior to my divorce, I felt inauthentic and dead inside. I longed to live up to my true potential, but couldn’t figure out what I needed to do get there.

As I deepened my tiger collection (I have over 300!) and connection with tigers my true nature started to emerge. I took the tiger by the tail (a metaphor for facing your fears), and left my 25-year marriage.

Embracing my true identity has also given me the fierceness to show up fully. I’ve created a thriving coaching business where I empower other midlife women to accept and appreciate who they are and live life to the fullest.

Discovering Your Power Animal

Everyone has a power animal. Yes that means you even if you don’t realize it. Also known as spirit animals or totems, these creatures act like guardian angels. Getting to know your animal totem can help you understand you strengths, compensate for your weaknesses and help you to be happier, healthier and more confident and successful.

Connecting with the energy of your animal totem will also empower and enlighten you and protect you from illness and negative energy. Getting to know your animal energy will make you wiser and more self-aware.

Power animals can be mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and even insects. Here are a couple of questions you can ask yourself to help discover your power animal:

1. Which animal or bird has always fascinated you?
2. When you visit the zoo which animal do you look for first?
3. While channel surfing what animal documentaries show up?
4. Notice animal signs. For example, you may see a sign for Bear mountain or visit a friend who lives on Duck Pond.
5. What animals show up in your dreams? Not sure? Ask your power animal to show itself while you sleep.
6. What animals do you frequently see in nature?
7. Of all the animals on the planet, which interests you the most? Which frightens you?

Once you discover your power animal, it’s time to honor and get to know it. You can do this by collecting and hanging pictures of your totem, reading about their characteristics, and considering how they see the world. You can use your imagination and visualize hanging out with your power animal and noticing how being with it makes you feel.

Like any relationship, getting to know and working with your power animal takes time. Be patient. Discovering and relating to your power animal is worth the effort.

Need help letting go of who you want to be and embracing who you are? Click HERE to schedule a complimentary Clarity Call.