July 4, 2016

Turtling




I have been turtling again. Looking for turtles, for Mother Earth's symbol carrier. Looking for some protection from the disorder the world is currently experiencing. And to my fortune, another beautiful turtle came to me - an eastern painted turtle this time.

I can take a hint. You have to know when to pull back from things, pull in and protect yourself. Turtle moves slowly, and is the most philosophical resident of the wetlands. Turtle has a lot of time to think and dream while overwintering in the bottom mud of watery places.

Turtle teaches us that we need protection, balance, and to ground ourselves in preparation for taking action. We need to be prepared - there is a lot to be done, as pointed out by quantum physicist David Bohm back in 1980.

"The notion that all these fragments is separately existent is evidently an illusion, and this illusion cannot do other than lead to endless conflict and confusion. 
Indeed, the attempt to live according to the notion that the fragments are really separate is, in essence, what has led to the growing series of extremely urgent crises that is confronting us today. 
Thus, as is now well known, this way of life has brought about pollution, destruction of the balance of nature, over-population, world-wide economic and political disorder and the creation of an overall environment that is neither physically nor mentally healthy for most of the people who live in it. 
Individually there has developed a widespread feeling of helplessness and despair, in the face of what seems to be an overwhelming mass of disparate social forces, going beyond the control and even the comprehension of the human beings who are caught up in it." 
- Wholeness and the Implicate Order







The animal medicine cards done by Jamie Sams and David Carson offer an excellent way to learn the natural lessons all creatures have to teach us.

"In Native American mythology, Turtle represented the Earth, the mother from whose substance the bodies of all creatures living on Earth were formed, and the nurturing Force that provides an opportunity for the human spirit to evolve. 
As a power animal, Turtle teaches the need for protection. Although you should find expression for the creative sources within, and allow your thoughts to reach up to "heavenly" things, it is essential to stay well grounded and to be connected to the power of the Earth. In other words, you must keep your feet on the ground of practicality. 
Turtle also stresses the need to keep the physical body in balance, and to remember that this is the vehicle through which we experience life on Earth. 
Turtle teaches the wisdom of aligning yourself with the cyclic flow of life, and demonstrates that the fastest way is not necessarily the best, for it takes time for ideas to develop properly. 
Turtle indicates Earth harmony, and draws you to all that is whole and good and abundant. Make haste slowly. 
Connect to Earth Mother. Ask for her blessings. Fertility and manifestation will follow." 
Medicine Cards (Santa Fe: Bear and Company, 1988).




There is a time to take action, and there is a time to engage in some turtling, or pulling into your shell and protecting yourself from whatever threatens.

Go slow, lay low.







8 comments:

  1. Anonymous7/05/2016

    As has been the case on several occasions we seem to be on the same wave length. I've been thinking about turtle way of living and how much I can relate. I've even found a few pictures online this past week for inspiration. It is a time to turtle in for me as well.

    What a gift to see one in person.

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    Replies
    1. Miss Marla,

      We are riding this wave length together. I think turtle is trying to tell us something about protection, and boundaries.

      The snapping turtle I saw looked sad, while this painted turtle looked grumpy. I am sure that those of us paying attention to what has been going on in the world can relate. Turtling is the answer, for now.

      Look out, because we are ready to snap at whatever threatens us.

      Delete
  2. I must be on the same wavelength as you and Miss Marla! I saw another turtle last night on my walk! I thought the timing of your post about the snapping turtle at the logging site and my rescuing a large turtle from the road was strange enough. Yet when I saw another turtle last night, then came home to see your Turtling post in my inbox AND Miss Marla’s comment, I felt a kinship to both of you! This has to mean something!

    With the chaos going on in the world, I feel overwhelmed at times, I think you are right. Turtle has a message for us. “Go slow, lay low.” Retreat for protection. Stay grounded. Turtles know something about “adapting to flow of life.” They’ve been around for 200 million years! Many lessons from turtle. (Thanks for Medicine Cards info, looks like a good resource.)

    Miss Marla, if I could, I would borrow a turtle from the wild and bring it to you to see. (Then return it to where I found it.) If I could figure out a way to post the photo I took of the turtle I saw last night, I’d do that too. I can only imagine the limitations you experience. I’d like you to know that your comments here on NBA never fail to uplift me. You are a special person. Always positive, and oh so wise. I enjoy this connection very much.

    Happy turtling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7/07/2016

      Oh Terry, how kind. I sometimes am afraid to comment thinking I don't have anything important to say, so thank you for the encouragement. I'll try to see that picture right now.

      Delete
  3. Miss Marla, maybe you can see the photo of the little turtle I saw last night here in this link. I sure hope so!

    https://www.facebook.com/terri.harper.908

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anonymous7/07/2016

      That's about the size of turtles to be found here in the upper Ohio valley. Thank you for sharing your gift of a turtle encounter.

      Delete
    2. Terri I sent a friend request in case you are wondering who that is.

      Delete
  4. Miss Marla, you do have a lot to say! Glad you could see my photo. I'm not very active on FB, just have a page because it is how my daughter communicates. I miss out on a lot with her if I don't have a FB page. Now it's allowed me to share the little turtle I saw with you!
    Annie, I saw the friend request and didn't have a clue who you were! I only have about 6 friends on FB. Not very active, but I will accept your request next time I am on there, thanks for letting me know who you are!

    Happy turtling!

    ReplyDelete

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