A few weeks ago I hung with a pack of wolves. Yep, like straight out of Twilight, wild, rip your throat out– wolves. It was all a part of this fantastic therapeutic weekend I attended out in Los Angeles. I know that sounds hippy dippy and it kinda was and I kinda liked it.
During what they called the Wolf Therapy session, the founder of the program sat us all down in a circle and told us about the origins of the program, how they find the wolves, trained them, etc. Then before he brought the wolves out he lead us in a guided meditation. He asked us to close our eyes, center our energy and rub our fingers through the grass. He then told us to take a deep breathe in and then let it out and said six words that scared me half to death! He said, “Now feel the wolves behind you”. At the very moment he said that I felt a wolf brush against my back. My stomach dropped and as much as I wanted to jump and run, I knew I couldn’t. The leader had told us that any sudden movements could scare the wolves and that’s not something I was really ok with doing. So I tried my hardest to relax and trust the guide. But just trust me, I was freaking out on the inside.
For the next five minutes you could feel the wolves circling the group, you could hear them sniffing and their paws kicking up dirt. And don’t forget, this entire time our eyes are still closed. Crazy right!? After they had circled for a bit, the guide told us we could open our eyes when we were ready. So I did and bam, right in front of me was this huge wolf! I just about screamed like a little girl.
For the next hour the guide discussed all the many wonderful things we can learn from wolves. We got up as a group, went on a hike, took time to pet the wolves and as you can see we all took a few pictures.
I overcame some serious fear that day. You see, I’m not a big animal guy. In fact, if I was being brutally honest I’d say that I am quite scared of most dogs. So needless to say, letting a wolf lick my face was quite a stretch in the courage department. But I made it through and learn a lot about myself along the way.
Overcoming fear is a huge part of life and recovery. It catapults us forward and opens new doors for opportunity and growth. That day with the wolves I grew a little. I learned more about myself. I became, if ever so slightly, a more courageous person. And that’s something I’m proud of!
I took some notes throughout the session regarding what they guide termed, Wolf Principles. I’ve listed them below. I’d love to know which ones stands out to you and why?
Wolf Principles:
- Wolves are totally OK with who they are ALWAYS!
- Wolves give 150% to everything they do, so they choose carefully what they agree to do.
- Wolves communicate effectively….they keep it honest and real.
- Wolves are not worried about how they look or what others think.
- Wolves mate for life so their bond with each other and the pack is sacred.
- Wolves collaborate and work together… they know that together they will succeed.
- Wolves understand the power of diversity and celebrate being different.
- Wolves use each individual’s gifts and talents for the benefit of all.
- Wolves deal with all situations in their lives and MOVE ON!
- Wolves let go of the past and make room for new things in their lives.
- Wolves “Update the Files” constantly…they deal with what’s in front of them each time.
- Wolves understand that they are a part of everything around them.
- Wolves explore ALL THE TIME…they don’t come with judgments and pre-conceived ideas.
- Wolves are not being, not into doing.