Life Advice from My Allies -- #1) A Small, Pincer-Clacking Red Crab!
I recently certified as a Facilitator in the Feeding Your Demons® (FYD) training available through the Tara Mandala Buddhist Community . FYD is a short meditative process where you select a “demon” or difficulty, and follow some simple steps to transform that issue into its wisdom, or Ally, energy. During the year-long course, I completed over 100 solitary and partner “feedings,” and I have thereby accumulated the same number of Allies.
I occasionally look through the advice these allies have offered, and I find it uncanny how specifically and directly this information is pertinent and helpful for me and my life. I recently realized that much of what I worked with are really universal human problems: feelings of inadequacy, overwhelm, resistance, anger, abandonment, and so on. So I thought I’d occasionally post here some of the advice I’ve received, in hopes that it is helpful for you, too.
For today, I’ll start with just a small issue. I had awakened feeling very grumpy one morning, most likely due to the glass of wine I’d consumed the evening before. This constituted in my mind a “falling off the wagon,” as I’d made a decision about two weeks prior to cut starches and sugars (included alcohol) out of my diet to try to improve my health. So I was angry with myself for the transgression and the resulting dull headache.
My Demon was an enraged red Tasmanian devil-like character, and the Ally was a small dancing red crab who had tiny shoes on each of his feet. He was quite cheerful and happy, emotionally calm, and his character was dependable and adaptable (as he can live on land or in the water). He offered me the following information:
I will help you by reminding you that nothing is black or white; always there is more than one way to view anything (I am a crab, yet I am also happy!) I pledge I will stay with you and remind you of this multi-faceted aspect of your life and the events which occur in it. You can access me by clacking your pincers! Haha.
He also added:
You have a tendency to view things from an “either/or” stance. Yet nothing is like this. That is a trauma response which no longer serves you nor is necessary.
Dance around, clacking your pincers! Feel the containment of your outer shell while sensing into the sinews within. Continue to physically strengthen, as this is required in order for your body to be able to handle the new energy.
You may drink wine, but again, consuming one glass does not constitute “failure,” and you needn’t punish yourself by continuing to consume. The same as with food, for you. Moderation is essential at this time, and reminding yourself of “moderation” will help keep you balanced and grounded. And focusing more on the “middle way” will also keep you moving ahead and not falling back into the gutters of “either/or” thinking.
Not bad advice from a being who’s only 4 inches across!
At Bodhisattva Bodywork, I offer a variety of stress reduction and trauma resolution therapeutic services in my Madeira, Portugal office, and online via a secure video link. I’m also developing a series of online courses to help balance and heal our individual, communal, and global traumas through cultivation of the Sacred Feminine at www.bodhicittasomatics.com.