OKinHealth - What is a Power Animal? By Dawn Dancing Otter

There are many metaphors in which one will find the unfolding of authentic self. Traditionally, the power animal has been integrated in indigenous cultures as a method of discovering the personality, strengths, karma, and life purpose of a person. I like also to think of power animal as our sixth sense, providing us with tools of intuition, health, boundaries, energy, and instincts. We all have a power animal, though most of us are unaware of it.

We are most at ease with life when we live in harmony with our natures. Stress comes from ignoring our natural instincts and tendencies in favor of perceived external expectations. If we have an awareness of our individual nature, then we can start to make positive changes to bring about more balance, and therefore comfort and ease.
For example, a person with a deer power animal will have natural tendencies to be gentle, compassionate, and nurturing. The deer person will be attracted to occupations which reflect these qualities, such as parenting, caregiving, and counseling. A bear is also very nurturing, and has a built in sense of season, with the winter spent hibernating. A bear person is most in balance when he or she is able to spend most of the winter season in a very slow pace with lots of rest.

In order to find your power animal, it is necessary to intend to discover it authentically (so, even if you want to be something bold and beautiful like a cougar, your animal may be a noble and reclusive moose). I suggest to find a quiet place, listen to some monotonous drumming, and meditate with the intent to sense your power animal. You may get mental pictures, see colours, feel sensations, or just intuitively come to know your power animal during your meditation. If you are still unsure, you can see someone who knows how to journey for confirmation. It is important to pay attention to the animals that we encounter in reality as well. If your animal is a raven, you may find ravens irresistibly drawn to the tree in your yard.

Animals are powerful teachers to us. We can easily observe that they are in balance with their environment and each other, that there is harmony, and life has purpose and ease. If we were to pay attention to the quiet chemistry of nature, we could learn how to live in peace with our human nature. We would embody the understanding that all life belongs to the same sacred essence of being, and we would regain our connection to the earth.

"If you talk with the animals they will talk with you, and you will know each other. If you do not talk to them, you will not know them, and what you do not know, you will fear. What one fears one destroys." - Chief Dan George

Dawn Dancing Otter practices Shamanic Journeying, Transformational Bodywork, and teaches Kundalini style yoga and dance. 250-276-6359, otterindawater@gmail.com Dawn Dancing Otter is also a member of OKinHealth.com

OK In Health

Home - Workshops & Events Calendar - Fitness Classes - Events by Town/Area - Free Events - About Us

Practitioners - Health & Wellness Articles - Contests - Local Health Businesses - Natural Products -

Healthy Recipes - Celiac Info - Wellness Quick Tips - In-Store- DVD`s, CD`s, Books - Classifieds & Announcements - Support Groups - Men`s Health -

Women`s Health - Maternity & Family Care - Reflexology page - Our Local Environment & Events - Animal Natural Health Care & Events

To submit a posting - Our Standards - Testimonials - Message Board - Glossary Terms - Contact Us -

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER -
This information and research which is intended to be reliable, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. All material in this article is provided for information only and may not be construed as medical advice or instruction. No action or inaction should be taken based solely on the contents of this newsletter/website. Readers should consult their doctor and other qualified health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided in this newsletter/website are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the authors. Readers who fail to consult with appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries. The publisher is not responsible for any errors or omissions. OK in Health is not responsible for the information in these articles and for any content included on this article is intended as a guide only and should not be used as an to seeking professional advice from either your doctor or a registered specialist for yourself or anyone else.