MBE in Clinical Practice Session 9 Discussion

Session 9: Nature as Teacher

9.1 My Own Animal Legend
Name:
Date:
We’re going to create a story about animals. These animals will be metaphorical for people you know, or people you’d like to know. Answer the questions below, then go on to the next page to create your own story:

If you were an animal, what sort of animal would you be?

I have several animals that I identify with - most likely describing my different ‘parts’. I often identify with a deer - due to my anxiety and heightened senses (hyperarousal at times) I can related to the deer’s constant alertness and quick movements to flee from danger. I also relate to the deers peacefulness and joyful movements when they feel safe.

I also relate to birds - as I see them as free spirits and flying freely. There is a part of myself that yearns for the freedom to be released from the cage and to fly as fast as I can.

Lastly, I related to dogs and I have always been fascinated by wolves. I believe there is a part of me that is a pack animal, but also a loner at times. I related to the reclusiveness of wolves around humans.

Why did you choose this animal?

I choose several animals - as I believe I have many parts - as we all do. My true self can related to the free spirited and playful parts of many types of animals and I often see animals in the way. Again, I also have a desire to be alone and away from people and city life. I think I related to animals that spend time alone or with ‘their” kind and stay away from most everything else. I also relate to prey and predators.


Think of some people you’d like to include in your Animal Legend. They can either be real or imagined people, living or dead. Think of them as animals, and list them below. You don’t have to use all the spaces provided. Just include enough characters for your story to be interesting to you.

Friend - Hawk
Wise sage - Whale
My kids -baby cubs
Russ - Owl
Mom - Elephant
Dad - Wolf

For each animal listed above, describe what they are doing in the story:

The cubs are acting out and playing too rough - often running too far away. The Momma is worried and confused on what to do - because the cubs are almost ready to leave the den and because mom is not a predator, she didn’t adequately teach the young ones how to survive - they are not ready yet - but are leaving none the less. The Owl is turning its head - always flying off - but coming back to check on Mom often, brining her food and comfort. The Elephant stands by strong, kind and willing to carry anyone on her back for a while. The Wolf is protecting and helping the cubs, especially when they find themselves in trouble. The hawk swoops in and offers some fun and friendship. The Whale is the source of infinite wisdom and guidance - but you must travel far from your homeland to meet the whale.



The animal represented by you is looking for something. What is he/she looking for?

The Deer is looking for peace and security and for all to be happy and living their life to its fullest. The deer is looking for reassurance and safety. The deer is also looking to take a break and just gave fun - it has been trying to protect too much.

Describe the place in which these animals live:

The animals are living in a forest and valley.


The animal represented by you is going on a journey to find the thing they are looking for. Where is it that you are going?

The Deer is journeying to meet the Whale to get guidance on what to do about the unruly cubs. The Deer needs to find the deep ocean - a place it has never seen before.

Something (or someone…possibly one of the animals from the story) is trying to prevent you from reaching your goal. Who or what is it? Why are they trying to keep you from your goal?

Guilt is stopping the deer as well as fear and often hardship - trying to find food in foreign lands. Also - along the way - many tricksters try to convince the deer to give up and stay in the safe valley or get lost in pleasures of strange fruits.

There are many trials on your journey, but you finally manage to reach your destination. What happens when you get there?

The deer finds the whale and through all it’s learned on its way - knows how to communicate with the whale and to be open and receptive to what it hears.


Once you’ve reached your destination and achieved your goal, you have to return home. What happens on the trip home?

On the trip home the deer has new vision and sense of safety now that it has the knowledge. The deer doesn’t scurry away from every noise and is no longer scared of the dark. Slowly the deer transforms into a beautiful and graceful Elk and has many animals accompanying it on its journey home.

During this journey, you encounter the other animals from above. What are they doing? Are they helping or hindering you on your journey? Why?

Mostly the animals are helping on the journey - sometimes the owl doesn’t offer the help the deer is looking for.


Which animal(s) are helping you on your journey? Why?

see above

Which animal(s) are hindering you on your journey? Why?

see above




You’ve finally arrived home again. What happens when you get there?

When the deer arrives home - transformed as an elk - the cubs are no longer there - no matter how hard the elephant and the wolf tried to protect them. However, the elk knows that they will see the cubs again and that they have to find their own way. Even thought the elk sometimes feels sad and misses them or sometimes feels guilty or scared that something will happen to them; the elk mostly feels ok and helps others to feel the same. When the cubs come back they are full grown lions. One is the leader of a great pack - the other is wounded and is forced to live alone. The elk loves both and learns from both of who they are.


What will be the moral of your story?

Moral is to let go and continue to grow and change. Don’t resist and let other animals be who they are - and only then can you really see them.


Now go on to the next page, and write your story out, based on the information provided above. In first blank on the next page, write the name of the animal that represents you in the story.

My Own Animal Legend

Once upon a time there was a deer who not too long after growing into an adult deer body found a pair of baby twin cubs. The cubs were all alone and the deer immediately fell in love with them. The deers mom warned her that she was too young to care for two baby cubs, but the deer felt in her heart that she had to care for these adorable cubs. She could sense they had wounds and wanted to give them pure love and adoration and she did give them that love the best she could. As time passed, the deer often felt jealous of the other young deer who had the freedom to play and run as far as they wanted. But - the love she had for the cubs kept her stable and solid - even when she yearned to be carefree and independent. As more time went on the deer noticed she had difficulty understanding the wild and aggressive nature of the cubs. She scolded them from fighting and keep a close and watchful eye on them - at times even preventing them from experience the more difficult parts of life. The deer couldn’t stand to see them in pain or upset - so she catered to their every need. But as even more time passed - the deer became lonely for playmates and started feeling more and more afraid of what could happen to herself or the cubs. She often enlisted help from the Elephant and deer, who were always there and would often give the deer advice and badger the deer about things they needed to do. The deer met an owl who she was very fond of and she felt she could get away with the deer and escape the pressures of everyday life. It took a lot of work and energy to find food for the growing cubs, they ate way more that she every could. She worked hard to make sure they had a good place to sleep and good opportunities to learn about the ways of the forest. She could see that they were growing into adult lions and they often made choices that seemed reckless. That upset the deer - but despite what the deer tried, the cubs wouldn’t listen. She noticed that one of the cubs seemed sad and angry a lot and the other one often ran off with the other animals and didn’t tell the deer how he was feeling at all. The cubs started changing rapidly the closer it became for them to become adult lions and start their own pride. They often skipped their hunting lessons and they were not interested in animals that were enjoying the simple pleasures of the forrest. They were more interested in running away into the night and being with all the mischievous creatures of the forrest. They would often come home dirty, sometimes beat up - this greatly saddened the deer. The deer sought guidance from the elephant and wolf - but they couldn’t make her feel better. The owl was always there, but didn’t know what to say and often flew away when things got tough. The deer’s best friend - hawk flew in one day and told deer about the wise whale who could help deer gain the knowledge she sought. The hawk said she has visited the whale on several occasions and learned a great deal. The deer decided to go find the whale, even thought she had never left her home, even though she dreamed about it every day.

The Elephant and the Wolf promised to watch over the cubs while the deer set off on its adventure to find the whale. The owl hooted good byes and said it would miss the deer. The cubs seemed indifferent - as lately they haven’t been getting along with deer anyway.

The deer set off to find the ocean many miles away. Along her journey, she often felt afraid of big animals, sounds in the night and most of all from hunters who wanted nothing more than to shoot and kill her. The deer knew she must be brave - she did not want to give up and most importantly she wanted to bring back the knowledge she needed to help her cubs be the successful lions she always knew they could be. Once the deer got lost and she started to panic - running in all directions. The Hawk flew down to her and said - take a breath and use your senses. Trust your heat and open your mind and you will walk in the right direction. The deer then practiced trusting her gut and the Hawk was right - she found her way back every time. The deer made many friends along the way and she felt happy. The deer also dreamed nightmares about the cubs; they fell off a cliff, they were killed by a stampede because they weren’t paying attention, they were lost in the woods and scared and the list went on. The deer had trouble shaking the worry and concern for her cubs, but she pressed on. The deer called on the spirit of the elephant and wolf for support and unconditional love when she felt lonely. The deer called on the spirit owl when she needed a break from her journey and wanted to have some fun. The deer sensed the ocean was near and felt so excited and accomplished that she had reached her destination, she relaxed and let down her guard to feel the joy. All of the sudden she heard a deafeningly loud noise and then a sharp pain in her leg. She feel to her side and couldn’t get up - the pain was enormous. She had been shot by a hunter and she heard they footsteps barreling though the forrest right in her direction. She felt alone and scared. None of her animals were there to help her. She worried she would never see her cubs again. then all of the sudden, she say Hawk flying in the air, very high and then the hawk released a mighty call and suddenly a rush of water created a deep river in between the hunter and the deer. A bright ray of sunlight shined down on the deer’s wounds and the the deer was able to get up and run away. But before the deer did, she looked at the bewildered hunter and smiled with love and compassion - maybe the hunter will think twice before shooting a wild animal - you never know what journey someone is on. This realization struck a chord with the deer, as she never stopped to think of her cubs journey - how are they thinking and feeling? What must it be like to not have a mature lion teaching them the ways of their species? The deer felt tremendous empathy for her cubs and moved on.

When the deer finally reached the ocean - the whale was already there. The deer asked the whale to impart the wisdom she needed to take back with her to feel whole, complete and help others. The whale was silent for some time and said, “you have everything you need to know inside of you - if you know how to listen. you have everything you need to know around you - if you know how to listen. you have everything you need to know - if you decide to let go”. The deer said - how do i listen and how do i let go? The whale laughed a deep and sincere laugh and said, “you practice”. The wale slowly swam away and the deer sat by the ocean side staring into the horizon as the whale slipped from her sight. The sun started setting and the deer finally understood what the whale meant. She felt transformed by her journey and in deep gratitude for the support, guidance and love she received along her way. She somehow understood that words could not describe the answers she sought and could not be used to solve her problems or to change her cubs. The deer knew it was time to return home and with resolve and purpose, strolled to a stream to drink before returning. When the deer looked at the water’s reflection, she did not recognize herself. She had grown several sizes and her muscles were strong. She had large hooves, instead of her dainty ones. she has fuzzy antlers sprouting form her now large and strong head. She realized that she was now a mighty elk - one of the most beautiful and strong she had ever seen. She realized that she too was on a journey and had much to learn - much like her cubs. she realized that she spend so much time worrying, controlling, persuading, avoiding, enabling, being angry; that she wasn’t listening and she defiantly wasn’t letting go. The elk didn’t know how she was going to do those things, but felt confident that she could try - using all of the lessons she had learned on her journey.

When the elk returned, the elephant, wolf and owl were waiting for her and were shocked at her transformation. ‘where are the cubs” she asked and they bowed their heads - they are gone. They left to find their own way. The elk felt sadness, but understood this is a part of life that all animals experience.

Even thought the elk sometimes feels sad and misses them or sometimes feels guilty or scared that something will happen to them; the elk mostly feels ok and helps others to feel the same. The elk listens to the messages of the air, earth and water. The elk listened to her friends and all the animals in her space. She practiced letting go everyday and listened to herself to honor and learn what was needed. One day, the cubs returned, but they looked much different! They are now full grown lions with beautiful manes and wild and hungry eyes. One is the leader of a great pack and struggles with the pressure of making sure everyone is safe - the other was wounded in a fight with another lion and was forced to live alone. he was struggling with isolation and shame. The cubs were happy to see their mother had grown into a beautiful, strong and wise Elk. They asked her; how do we deal with our pain, sorrow, suffering and anger. The Elk simply said, “I am here to listen and we can find the answers you seek within you and all around you”.




DON’T GO ON TO THE NEXT SECTION UNTIL YOU’VE FINISHED YOUR STORY!








Was this story difficult for you to write, or was it easy? Why?

This story was very easy to write and felt empowering to think of my own life thus far as a ‘hero’s journey” and also gave me great insight into the way I view the journey.


Let’s look at your story again. If you didn’t complete it yet, go back and do so before continuing.

Now that you’ve finished your story, answer the questions below about it in the space provided.

The thing you were looking for in your story is a metaphor for the thing you most need in your life right now. Think about the qualities of the thing you were seeking. What does it symbolize? Why are you looking for it? What is your intention in finding it? Write your answers below:

The thing that I was looking for was knowledge and answers so that I could be released from the pain and worry I was experiencing. I am looking for something - and my intentions are to heal and find peace - even when things around me are falling apart. The thing i needed most in my life is peace.


The place in which the animals live represents the place where you are right now in your life. Describe your thoughts and feelings on where you live right now. For example, if you said that your animals live in a desert, think about the emotional qualities you associate with a desert, and not its physical qualities. Such answers might include: Lonely, barren, foreboding, etc. If you like deserts, your emotional qualities for this setting might include: Peaceful, quiet, and undisturbed. Write your answers in the space below:

I live in a small home imbued with chaos at times with two teenagers who are addicted to drugs and using drugs and don’t follow the rules and boundaries I have set. I also don’t love my surroundings and my house is in dire need of repairs and upgrades. Many things are broken after years of abuse. however, the other places I have created in my life - my work space for example is quite peaceful, beautiful and productive . The setting I choose was a forest and meadow. I think I choose two places because at times where I live is chaotic, which could be the qualities of a forest (sometimes scary, unpredictable and dark and other times is magical, calm and serene). To me a meadow is open, calm and full of potential.


The place you are going on your journey represents where you would like to be in your life. Describe this place in the space below, again focusing on the emotional qualities you associate with this place:

The place I was going was through the forest to the ocean to seek wisdom of the whale. The qualities I associate with ocean are - open, free, infinite, peaceful and dynamic.

Think about the animal(s) that tried to prevent you from reaching your goal. This animal represents the barriers to connecting with your True Self. What qualities does this animal possess? How are these qualities keeping you from connecting to who you really are?

The animal that tried to prevent me was a human! The qualities this particular human (not all hunters, just in this story), were greedy, not empathetic, reckless and selfish. These qualities keep me from connected to true self by being caught up with the ‘bright and shiny’ things and not what really makes me happy. Also, being selfish and not thinking about others thoughts, needs, emotions and ‘story’ can block true connection and creates negative patterns of communication.

Examine what happened to you in your story once you reached your destination. Did you achieve your goal? If you did, describe what happened to the animal representing you when you reached your goal. Use feeling words. If you reached your goal, then this attainment represents what you imagine you will achieve when you connect with your True Self:

I did achieve my goal. When the goal was achieved the animal transformed. I received wisdom, only to find out it was there all along and could be found anywhere I was. the animal felt empowered, strong and more peaceful. The animal didn’t live in fear of the un-known anymore because she felt able to handle any situation.


If you didn’t achieve your goal in the story, what was the reason? Did the animal who was working against you prevent you from achieving it, or did something else happen? Whatever prevented you from achieving your goal represents your own fears of living in your True Self. Describe these fears below. Use feeling words like sad, empty, frustrated, etc.







Look at what happens in your story when you return home. This represents how you would see your life changing if you were living every day in your True Self. Is it a positive change, or a negative change? If bad things happen in the story when you return home, what would that tell you about your own fears of living in True Self? Describe your thoughts below, using feeling words.

Upon returning home - there were positive changes, but of course some disappointment and sadness. Life would change everyday if living in true self because of the internal shift, not things around me shifting. I think the transformation from deer to elk was powerful as I see myself changing physically when I am more my true self (more smiling, better posture, etc.)

Did any animals help you on your journey? If so, what are the characteristics of these animals? These helper animals represent the positive qualities you see in yourself. Write these characteristics below.

The hawk was a major helper on my journey. The qualities were dependable, fun, powerful, helpful and wise.


Did any of the animals hinder you on your journey? These animals represent the barriers to connecting with your True Self. They represent the reasons you see within yourself for not living in True Self. How did these animals hinder you? What could you do to befriend these animals within you so that they no longer hinder you on your journey?

The owl sometimes hindered me by retreating when things were tough. The wolf and elephant sometimes hindered because the deer sometimes depended on them too much and lost a sense of her own ability to handle things. To befriend the owl - communication is needed as well as gratitude and less expectations same with elephant and wolf.

What was the moral of your story? This represents the lesson you most need to learn in your life right now in order to “get out of your own way” and live fully in your True Self. Describe your thoughts and feelings on this in the space below.

Let go and listen. This is the opposite of control and that is what I grasp so often and never really find it. Letting go has been a theme in my life and a difficult concept for me to grasp. I think I keep coming back to it, because I know it is necessary for my authentic self to be present. Listening is also important, because that is how you really learn. Not by talking, offering suggestions or sharing personal experiences. Listening is how you connect, be present and give people and yourself what you need. Listening is something that I have also struggled with.


What did you learn about yourself from this journey? Write any reflections or observations in the space below.

I learned that I have what it takes and I can draw wisdom and support from the world around me.