Unlocking Life's Treasures: Lessons from Squirrels
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Chapter 1: The Squirrel's Wisdom
Navigating the ups and downs of life after loss often reveals unexpected treasures. In moments when grief feels overwhelming, these glimpses of goodness can restore my equilibrium. A recent lesson from three young squirrels has brought clarity to my quest for joy.
Squirrels are masters at pursuing and obtaining their rewards. Imagine a metal bird feeder on a tall pole with a shallow basket positioned two-thirds of the way up. A cylindrical seed holder, intended for small birds, dangles from an arm at the top of the pole. The base of this holder is a good foot above the basket…
You can probably predict what happens next.
A young squirrel arrives at the bottom. The pole is slick with rain, leading to a comical attempt at climbing. Each time, the fluffy little creature manages to ascend a bit higher before inevitably sliding back down.
Undeterred, this little one tries again.
And again.
And again.
Eventually, the basket is within reach, and the real challenge begins…
The awkward maneuvers that follow as she leans out for the seeds are a sight to behold! She tries every angle, failing repeatedly. Each attempt to grasp the seeds results in her tumbling back down in a comical heap… time after time.
Yet, her response to each failure is consistent. There’s no crying or lamenting—just a resolute, “Let’s try that again!”
This little squirrel remains undaunted. Each challenge appears to be a game. Ultimately, after a series of amusing attempts, she figures it out.
The key to obtaining the rewards lies in mastering the balance on the basket first.
I observe as the young squirrel's awareness gradually develops. It doesn’t happen all at once; she explores various angles repeatedly. Finally, she discovers that the best way to reach for the seeds is to lean from the basket rather than attempt an acrobatic stretch from the top. But how does she secure a lasting grip?
In her eagerness, she rushes to achieve it. Climbing up the pole and reaching the basket, she briefly touches the seed stash. “Yes! I’ve made it!” But soon, her footing slips from the basket.
With her back feet no longer secure, she curls them around the base of the seed dispenser, desperately trying to find traction on the slick plastic. For a fleeting moment, she swings back and forth, enjoying a few seeds, but soon gravity takes over.
“Hmm… time for another adjustment,” I can almost hear her thoughts.
This time, her strategy changes.
She scampers up the pole with newfound ease, reaches the basket, and pauses. Is she listening for danger? No, she’s simply taking a moment to adjust her stance on the basket. This time, she’s determined to secure a solid grip.
Once she has established her balance, she reaches out, pushing the seeds away from herself. With her feet firmly anchored, she can now stretch her body like a fluffy rope, twisting to reach the prize. This time, her foundation is strong, and she feasts.
Watching this playful determination unfold in each of the three siblings prompts deep reflection.
I find myself applying these squirrel strategies to my own life, and it has been beneficial.
We constantly strive for some form of “goodies” in life. Whether it's seeking joy after a loss, inviting abundance, or desiring ease in relationships or projects, we often grapple with unfulfilled desires. Trying to suppress our desires, in my experience, leads only to numbness—not a fulfilling way to live.
Embracing what is is vital, but denying our true desires is insufficient. Such denial gnaws at us, calling us out while we pretend to be content.
I cherish loving what is, yet I also need to embrace my desires—especially those that seem distant. I must find joy in wanting more because that’s simply who I am. I suspect you feel the same way.
Whatever we are reaching for at this moment, the squirrels have much to teach us.
Squirrel Kit Code: Pursuing Life's Rewards
These squirrels impart valuable lessons about acquiring life’s treasures, but we must first step back from the tangible aspects. It’s essential to recognize that emotional or vibrational manifestations precede physical ones.
The Law of Attraction teaches that what we send out vibrationally returns to us, often amplified.
If I wish to feel connected to my husband, I must first cultivate that positive energy within myself. Similarly, to attract wealth or health, I need to embody those feelings before they materialize in the physical realm.
For me, the Squirrel Kit Code serves as a guide to getting into the right emotional space for desires that feel just out of reach.
The grass beneath the feeder symbolizes our lowest emotional states—fear, despair, and powerlessness. The pole represents a spectrum of emotions, progressing toward the basket, which embodies relief, contentment, and hope. The seeds in the dispenser signify the enjoyment of desires before they manifest.
Until we learn to appreciate unfulfilled desires, we risk becoming slaves to external conditions. We perpetually tell ourselves we’ll find happiness only when certain conditions are met, but such thinking robs us of joy in the present moment.
Once we master enjoying desires that are currently out of reach, we discover life’s sweet spot—finding pleasure in the anticipation of creation. When we attain this skill, we are never deprived again!
Ultimately, the “goodies” comprise high-flying emotions like eagerness, enthusiasm, joy, and appreciation. We don’t acquire these solely from our current circumstances; they stem from reaching for more and envisioning their arrival.
Feasting on life’s rewards is about believing in our dreams and choosing to embrace the notion that these goodies are rightfully ours.
Squirrel Kit Code—In Summary
- The Pole Climb: Approach the climb with confidence. Expect multiple attempts and embrace failures. Those goodies are yours for the taking.
- Maintain Focus: Stay fixated on your goals, disregarding distractions that may knock you off balance.
- Balance on the Basket: Once you’ve achieved stability, extend your reach for the seeds of your desires.
Why Are the Goodies So Elusive?
Understanding the barriers to our desires can clarify what the squirrels teach us.
If you resonate with my experiences, you might find these challenges familiar:
- Trapped on the Grass: Trauma can immobilize us, making it seem impossible to reach for better emotions. This can lead to a state of despair, making the emotional ascent feel unreachable. However, it’s important to remember that these feelings are not permanent.
- Sliding Down the Pole: When despair engulfs us, we may feel hopeless and convinced that we’ll never succeed. It’s easy to fall into a cycle of self-pity, questioning why others seem to thrive while we struggle.
- Interference from Others: Balancing amid the chaos created by those around us can be challenging. Their successes or failures can sway our own balance, creating additional hurdles.
- Reaching for Seeds and Losing Balance: Even with the best intentions, we may find ourselves tumbling back into despair, questioning our abilities.
If these resonate, let’s delve deeper.
In Detail: The Pole Climb
Climbing the slippery pole requires training and mindfulness. We must learn to appreciate the pain for the insights it offers.
How can we achieve this? Through practice.
Love what is, including the moments of imbalance. Embrace both the highs and lows, recognizing that they are part of the journey. Decide to love them.
Identify negative emotions, acknowledge them, and choose to embrace them. They guide you toward the truth of who you are and what you desire.
When you align with the belief that the goodies are yours, you become attuned to the abundance awaiting you.
With more practice, and yes, a few tumbles back to the grass, remember that love encourages you to stay focused. Soon, you’ll be feasting on life’s treasures.
The experienced squirrels don’t slide down the pole like the young kits do. They may wobble, but they quickly regain their footing and continue to thrive.
Keeping Your Focus Steady
Focusing on what you want rather than what you lack is a skill that requires training.
Every desire has two sides—what you want and what you don’t want. When uncertainty clouds our minds, we often dwell on the absence of what we seek.
Fortunately, our emotions serve as a compass. Feelings of sadness or fear indicate that our focus is on what we don’t want. If we’re feeling numb, we may be avoiding deeper feelings of despair.
These challenging emotions, while uncomfortable, ultimately guide us back to our true selves.
Balancing on the Basket
Achieving balance involves relaxation and acceptance. It’s about loving where you are, even when circumstances are challenging.
When we embrace our current emotions—both good and bad—we regain our equilibrium. The key is to stop searching for an antidote to life’s challenges.
Deep down, we know we have everything we need. Simply being is enough.
I can attain balance more easily now. What used to take days can now be accomplished in hours or even minutes.
Meditation, connection with nature, and simple joys in life serve as anchors for me.
Slow and Steady…
Take a moment to reflect on these insights. If even one resonates, carry it with you.
Core Messages:
- Anticipate emotional extremes as you practice.
- Expect to practice frequently and find enjoyment in the process.
- Achieve balance before reaching for your desires.
- The sweet spot lies in savoring your desires before they arrive.
Sending you encouragement as always. If you’d like to connect, feel free to schedule a free half-hour coaching session! It’s what I love most.
The first video titled "Goodies for ALL the animals!" showcases how different animals, including squirrels, find and enjoy their treats in nature. It’s a delightful exploration of the playful determination of wildlife.
The second video, "A DAY IN THE LIFE | I PICKED UP SOME GOODIES," gives a fun glimpse into a day spent gathering treasures, reflecting the joy and excitement of finding little pleasures in life.