Kokopelli is emblematic (at least among those at the Animá sanctuary) of one who carries burdens (that's what the "hump" is on his back) while continuing to dance ecstatically and live joyfully. I’d seen this figure before but didn’t know his significance until my visit there.
Somehow, just learning of the value Wolf and Loba place on this ancient figure gave me strength to imagine and attempt to live this way again myself. I’d always thought of myself as strong----which caused many problems in my life, as I too-often became emotionally entwined with men I believed I could “improve” by showing them my strength. However, instead of their becoming stronger, I felt myself wearing down, losing energy, and becoming more and more critical of myself, living----not with joy----but abandoning myself to a despair that grew, in part, from feeling defeated. (After all, we cannot control the actions of others. How many times have I said that to myself?)
How much simpler to deny such people access to my life, to seek those who contribute to peace and joy and beauty instead. Is that so difficult? Only if I decide others are more important than I am. To love myself is so basic, yet----for many reasons----I lost sight of this over the years. . .
. . .which reminds me of another simple idea (that is too-often ignored): There comes a time when explanations are not sufficient or even needed. Action is more important. All our thoughts mean nothing if they remain in that nebulous realm.
