The Unspooling

My husband and I spontaneously packed a picnic lunch this Thanksgiving weekend as we readied for a walk into our nearby forest. We needed to restore ourselves from life’s stressors that seem to arise daily.

Walking the trail, we paused many times to hear the creek tinkle, soak in forest silence, and marvel at the dappled light kissing orange and yellow Birch leaves amongst the coniferous forest. Arriving at the lookout, the noon sun was too hot to sit in. Finding a lovely clearing on a forest trail, we enjoyed our lunch sitting cross legged upon the earth.

Before long, feeling tired and sore, we flattened ourselves upon the forest floor. On our backs we delighted watching white tailed clouds flit across the blue blaze of sky. Laying there I recalled a YouTube video about Anna the Animal Communicator. Through communicating with the aggressive, abused black panther she discovered his needs and healed him. I opened myself to hearing, communicating with the earth, trees, and surroundings.

As I lay feeling the Great Mother beneath my body deep sighs began releasing from my body…one after another…after another. Then, distinct thought came to me.

I was to listen to my body speaking before seeking to communicate with my surroundings. Do I really listen to my precious, little animal body I inhabit in this world that – despite much hardship and abuse – continues to thrive with me?

Deeply listen here Teresa.

Multi-layered sighs continued. I had an image come to me of a large spool, tightly wound with cord or string. It was unspooling.

I was unspooling.

Layer after layer of tension, stressors, anxieties unwinding…releasing. Returning to Ground. Healing. Restorative.

Journaling (and rereading) my unspooling experience I further anchor the gifts given this Thanksgiving.