American Alligator - Everglades National Park
It was the day before New Year's Eve, 2014… I had been on the road just over 8 whole weeks and driven about 5500 miles so far. I was in South Florida luxuriating in the most heavenly delicious warm weather (highs of 80 and lows about 70) where I could comfortably camp for the second time on this adventure.
My journey up to this point had flowed with such grace and ease that the miraculous was truly ordinary! I woke up before dawn on my first morning in the Everglades and was excited to see the alligators in the daylight (after seeing them in the dark the night before!). I drove to the famous Anhinga Trail and parked my car in the lot just as the sun was about to rise. Grabbing my camera, I gleefully dashed to meet the experience that awaited me!
It was a wondrous two hours of beautiful morning light, few people, unlimited supplies of fantastical birds, breathtaking views, and awesome badass alligators lounging or gliding through the still waters. I was in complete bliss! When I was satiated, I returned to my vehicle….
It looked like there had been a raucous party on top of my car! Bird poop was smeared everywhere… and as I looked closer I could see that vultures had made a meal of the rubber seals around the windshield, sunroof and doors of my car. The stories started spinning in my head… my new car! How much will the damage cost to repair?! Will it leak when it rains? Will insurance cover it? Why wasn't this threat more clearly identified in the parking lot? Did the talons scratch the paint too???
I was absolutely crushed.
As I sat with the feelings, I fully realized that my thoughts were creating my experience. I observed... and allowed the emotions that rose to the surface to be sensed. I felt consumed, but was still able to be a witness to the process. Attempting to "allow" as best I could, I opened to guidance and asked for a different way to see this situation. Was there anything I needed to "do"? As I took the steps I felt guided to implement, I was more and more able to settle back into my peaceful place inside me. Overall, it took about a half of a day to once again feel grounded and be able to release the tension and know I will deal with it all when I return home… I accomplished this by using the tools I have cultivated through my spiritual practice. I am so very grateful to have a process to deal with any obstacles that arises in my life. <3
Overall, this was a rather minor life experience… and wow, how many people can say their car was eaten by vultures?!
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What tools do you have in your tool belt to handle your everyday challenges?
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| Wood Stork |
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| sunrise on the Anhinga Trail |
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| elevated boardwalk |
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| quietly cruising along |
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| alligator central |
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| Great Blue Heron |
Sweetie you've evolved into an amazing photographer. Your pictures are incredible! Publish it baby! Hugs, Bonnie
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, my friend! I appreciate your kind words. :)))
DeleteI love the wood stork shot :} glad you had this experience and was able to see that nothing is really that big of a deal (well...almost nothing:) So great this this happened at the end of the year. Vulture totem medicine is potent and they were there to help you release the old so that you could see how deeply integrated your spiritual practice is. Lots of love to you on your continued journey.
ReplyDeleteThank you!! Yes, and thank you also for pointing out the integration of my spiritual practice! I feel encouraged. :)))
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