Theres A Wolf In All Of Us

Your paws are tired, little beast. Rest your legs.

Your claws have put in their work for today. Let them be idle if they must.

Your wings have carried you far, flying friend. They need to recharge.

Your teeth have brought you through tough times. Rest your jaws, as their job is never over.

Your eyes have shown you the world and beyond. Show them solace if just for a few minutes.

I am guided and protected.

bare your teeth 

Do not sleep in the woods. Not yet. For now, just walk, smile, breathe in the air. You may play music if it makes you feel safer.

Bring food. If you find a very smooth stone, a large old stump, or the mossy ruins of what used to be manmade, those are all good places to leave a taste, a drink. Do not leave anything that will not decompose. If you do, come back to pick it back up, or don’t come back at all.

Pay no attention to her hair. She has been here longer than you, and she prefers you keep your hands to yourself. You may play music if it makes you feel safer, she doesn’t mind the noise. You are safe. You may continue or leave. There is patience here.

Come alone, or as alone as you can manage. Friends are welcome, but big groups simply pass through. Too many boots.

Drink plenty of water, and always bring a first-aid kit. A portable charger never hurts. Stay on the paths, they are there for a reason. You won’t see her unless you stray.

Come in the spring and the fall. These are the seasons of change, growth. It will work fastest that way.

Flowing water will be healing. Sit down for a while, let it flow over you. You don’t have to be off your phone, but at some point, you will be. This is okay and at some point you will be on it again. This is okay. Listen to the wind and the trees.

Letting down roots will not come easily, but if you let yourself, you won’t regret it. Feel the earth. Let it become a home.

Green may or not be your favorite color. It does not matter if it is not, but tell the trees so anyways. Tell the birds they are beautiful and tell the rabbits and squirrels they have nothing to fear from you. They will not change, but they hear you. It matters.

Do not be afraid to smile. There is so much joy here, always, ready to be felt, to be shared. Never ignore fear, but let it pass through you. Don’t let it bind you, not forever. You may now sleep here, if you wish. You are now a friend of the woods. This will stand for as long as you do not break it with purpose. Congratulations.

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