simple shui | an elephantine love
a lifetime ago, i traveled to india. a few days into my trip, our little caravan had wandered off the beaten path and arrived unexpectedly at the gate of a local zoo. moments after entering, we were petitioned to purchase tickets for an elephant ride. it was a thrilling and terrifying opportunity for a 19-year old, and without much consideration, i agreed. honestly, most of the moment is hazy as i recollect details. however. one thing stands out: i became mesmerized by that beloved creature and i carry her with me still.
it was explained to me the elephant is so powerful because she doesn’t take another step until her feet are firmly planted. and that morsel was so profoundly grounding and majestic, it took up space in my heart. animals never forget their original instructions, but as humans, we lose sight of ours often. perhaps this is why animals resonate so deeply in our marrow. whenever i feel a bit off my game, i think of an elephant. how she stands powerfully in her silence, yet is never afraid to own her strength. elephants are sure-footed and usually moving forward with their family herd. and they possess wisdom, grace, and humbling kindness.
in shui, elephants are symbolic of these same energies and images of them in a home are considered auspicious. so, it seems i’ve come full circle with the meaning i developed early in life for them. while my soul connects with elephants, maybe you are drawn to another animal. i encourage you to explore its symbolism and decide if its qualities reverberate with you. does it possess energies you desire replicating in life? what traits do you seek to embody? have you been inexplicably drawn to a particular creature over your lifetime? following your animal muse (as crazy as it sounds!) sometimes leads us right back to our own original instructions. . .reminding us to simply be present.
xo
