animal messenger

Bobcat Spirit (and Fox) Helped Shift Me Out of My Funk

Posted December 4, 2018 by Barbara Techel

I awoke in such a funk this morning! Ever have those? And I wasn’t quite sure why.

As the morning wore on, the angst I was feeling continued to grow, even though I still wasn’t sure what it was about.

Getting on my exercise bike, while listening to a podcast, I felt my anxiousness continue to grow. Especially when I noticed two lint pieces on the arm of the sofa, and the more I tried not to notice them, the more they bugged me. And right away my mind tried to convince me that something was “wrong” with me.

But soon enough I knew this was a clear signal that something was brewing below the surface and I knew I had to work with it. John and I have something we say when seemingly simple things become the object of a frustration, and we know better that it isn’t about that particular thing. We say “It isn’t about (fill in the blank)! In my case today I said, “it isn’t about the lint on the sofa!”

Once I was finished exercising I pulled up the Insight Timer meditation app on my ipad, feeling called to find a guided meditation. I knew I needed to work with my emotions, but that I also felt that what I really needed to do was surrender. I came across a lovely woman named Sarah Blondin who does the most beautiful guided meditations. The one I chose was “I Learn to Surrender.”

Listening to her soothing voice and beautiful poetry of words, the tears finally came near the end of the meditation. I felt I still needed a bit more inward time so chose another one of her meditations. This time, I listened to “Accepting Change.”

Afterwards I made my way out to my writing cottage and sat at my desk where I keep my oracle cards and journal. In my journal I wrote, “Dear Spirit, What is it I need to know about the frustration I’m feeling today?”

From Wisdom of the Oracle I pulled Observer in protection (reversal) — the essential meaning of this card is about perspective, objectivity, and neutral observation from a distance.

So what did that have to do with my frustration? Well, I knew right away it was guiding me to see that I was getting caught up in my head of trying to intellectually figure something out that can’t be dealt with in this way. I was also trying to control my feelings of frustration because I was feeling bad for having them.

Once again I had to remind myself that all emotions are part of being human. In order to release them, I must feel them. The observer in protection (reverse) was my extra nudge from Spirit to take the time and pay attention and work through all my feelings.

Just the awareness of this brought me relief. Asking Spirit for my next right action step I turned to the Spirit Animal Oracle deck and pulled Bobcat Spirit and the short message on the front that says, “Life is a mystery.”

Ain’t that the truth, I heard myself say. And the truth is that sometimes that mystery can feel so very distressing because we want control and we want an outcome we are wishing for that we think is best. I was reminded, once again, that I have to be okay with the unknown right now.

Not only do I need to again practice sitting in the observation of all my feelings about a certain situation I realized my angst is about, I also have to trust that either an answer will come at a later point, or it may not come at all. Even though that feels uncomfortable, I’m being called to sit with it.

Turning to the guidebook after journaling my understanding of the cards regarding my particular situation, I especially resonated with this line from Bobcat Spirit:

No matter what, Bobcat Spirit is a sign that you are being called to trust, even when what is revealed does not agree with your need for intellectual certainty.

What I do know now with certainty that after taking this time to focus inwardly is that I’m feeling much better, even though the situation hasn’t changed and there is still uncertainty – but my perspective shifted and from this place I’m feeling much more peaceful.

As I look at the observer card again noting fox on the card I’m sensing the message of how sly and clever our minds can be at deceiving us. But it’s dropping into our heart during challenging times and listening and just being, that we eventually find our way back to truth and understanding.

XO,

Barb

I’m offering a special price on my Oracle Guidance Readings if you are feeling stuck and need some support. I’d be honored to hold space and offer guidance. Click on graphic to learn more about my readings. P.S. Though special price is only good through December 21st, you can schedule your session for the New Year if you wish.

Divine Timing and Dachshund Calendar Giveaway!

Posted September 5, 2018 by Barbara Techel

Just this morning I found out I was chosen to be a mentor for Oracle School this fall! I’m so thrilled!

Committed to my own personal growth and those of others this is an honor as this is the school where I recently finished a twelve month intensive of Personal Mastery, The Invision Process and Shared Wisdom, studying with Colette Baron-Reid, earning my new hat and service as an Oracle Guide.

About an hour later the mail arrived with a special package. I didn’t recognize the return label and wondered who it could possibly be from. Even more, what was inside?!

When I opened it there was a note from Brook who said she thought I might enjoy the two enclosed 2019 dachshund tabletop calendars. She said, “Make sure to check out July 22nd!!”

Now in full out curious mode, I quickly flipped the pages and found my dear, sweet Frankie, the star of July 22nd. I was overcome with tears. It was a photo Brook took of Frankie oh-so-many moons ago during a shoot for publicity photos for my first upcoming children’s book I’d be releasing in 2008, Frankie the Walk ‘N Roll Dog.

I knew the emotions I felt were from Spirit as a message that this was no coincidence. Having just learned of being chosen as a mentor for Oracle School, something not even on my radar over a year ago, but then felt called to want to volunteer when the opportunity arose. I trusted if it was meant to be it would happen as not everyone is chosen.

But more than that, as I continue to share here via my blog and newsletters, it’s been about my expanding into helping other women, not always sure of how that would look – a vision I had of myself when I began my work and mission with Frankie over eleven years ago.

It’s been about my struggle to let go of an identity I held onto so tightly that at times I suffered because of it. It wasn’t an easy journey, but then again, that is what life is about – these moments when you feel the rewards so deeply in your heart you know you’d do it all over again.

And such is today, in that golden hour of learning of my added role of being a volunteer mentor to be of service to help others grow into who they are meant to be…and the calendar with Frankie’s photo…a message she sent, through Brook, to let me know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be. I love you sweet girl!

Now it’s time to pay it forward!

While I’m keeping one of the calendars (of course!), I’m giving away the other to one lucky person! All you have to do is leave a comment below. That’s it. Nothing complicated. Whatever you wish to say. This will enter you in for a chance to win the calendar.

Please do so by 5:00pm cst Thursday, September 6th. Open to US residents only due to shipping costs.

I’ll choose a winner and announce early next week (I’m heading out of town so hence the reason for not announcing until next week).

So stay tuned and make sure I have a way in which I can contact you if you are the winner!

XO,

Barbara

Guidance from the Oracle and Otter on Feeling Understood

Posted July 16, 2018 by Barbara Techel

Whether or not someone understands me no longer takes up the energy or inner space it once did is something I’m reflecting on as I get ready to celebrate my 55th birthday this Wednesday, July 18th.

It’s certainly been a journey of consciously living a self-examined life that I stand today more grounded in who I am.

I’m thinking about the extraordinary coaches who have guided me over the years, the many inspiring books I’ve read, surrounding myself with supportive and like-minded friends and colleagues, and taking part in many a workshop, plus the dogs and animals who have been pivotal to my ever evolving personal growth.

It takes a village to help us step fully into who we are meant to be. And it’s something I truly wish for everyone – to be comfortable in their own skin – and to embrace the gifts that the ebb and flow of life brings us.

I’m currently in the middle of reading another profoundly moving book that is “speaking my language” called, The Seeker’s Guide – Making Your Life A Spiritual Adventure by Elizabeth Lesser. Every time I pick it up my heart feels home.

In August I will complete my six month intensive studying with Intuitive Counselor and Oracle Expert, Colette Baron-Reid. Being in Oracle School among many incredible peers I’ve come to understand even more how letting go of my old story and not getting stuck there, is how we set ourselves free.

It’s something I continue to be thrilled to be of service and witnessing women discover that they too can choose to live the life they choose.

I believe to feel understood, we must first and foremost go within and love ourselves. Often times this takes support and many paths we must walk – the journey sometimes tenacious – but oh, so worth it.

And why I want to encourage you, my dear readers, when you feel alone or unsure, to go within and listen with gentle kindness, because your soul will always love and guide you.

I asked for some insight also from the Wisdom of the Oracle and the Power Animal Oracle:

What do we most need to know right now to support our highest good and let go of times we don’t feel understood?

Wisdom of the Oracle: Round and Round was in protection (reverse) when I pulled it, but I’m showing it upright so you can see it. When in protection it means to pay extra close attention.

When we feel other’s don’t understand us we tend to think that if we could just convince someone of this or that, then they’d understand. And we can tend to go round and round with asking the “why’s” instead of keeping the focus on ourselves. But the truth is we can’t control what other’s think. We can only trust what our heart knows. If we feel strongly about a belief, then we must own it and live from that space in order to be truly happy.

Power Animal Oracle: I love that Otter presented himself in this reading in conjunction with Round and Round. It couldn’t be more perfect. While it’s good to survey the landscape around you before heading out into the world, just as Otter does, it’s remembering once again that the only control you have is in your own reactions and trusting in who you are.

Wishing you a beautiful week!

XO,