North America River Otter – picture from Wikipedia…
Last night, in my dream, several river otters were transformed from carefree, playful creatures into an ankle length fur coat. I could only see the back of the coat, and every once in a while, it seemed that an eye would open on the back of the coat and look at me. I woke up this morning with this image in my head. Years ago, when I worked for Hudson Bay Northern Stores, we would get in shipments of cured furs, including otter. The pelts were very soft and warm. Most often, the pelts would be made into coats or jackets. I wondered why I was getting this sequence of events. Then I realized that I needed to talk about spirit animals today, and Otter was telling me that I should write about her.
Otter was born with a great curiosity, and will investigate anything that strikes her fancy. She brings a message that we should indulge our curiosity about all things, and take no ones word for anything. Otter also looks at things from land, the surface of the water and from beneath the water. Perspective may change, depending on the angle one views life from… so do not limit your self to one view point. Explore many.
We hear the words “go with the flow” and do not really know what that means because humans are constantly trying to control everything around them. Otter drifts on the water, and follows the current, truly moving as one with the environment. When in this state, it is easy to relax, and enjoy life. The message is that we humans should not take life so seriously.
Otter’s ability to be on land or deep in the water – it will hold its breath for up to four minutes – is a message about learning to get in touch with one’s deepest emotions. It gives the example of going deep in the water to get food and this tells us that delving deep into our emotions to free up pain is food for our soul.
Family has deep meaning for Otter who takes care of her offspring for as a two years. Additionally, Otters love company and live in social groups. Conservationists have found Otter to be very gentle and trusting. She will come up on the bank to visit. Her openness teaches us that we too need to be more trusting, and to embrace new adventures with enthusiasm.
I wish you “Otter” filled days!
Thank you for this! I have always loved otters -- my younger brother and I (as adults) stood riveted by them for a very long time at the DC National Zoo once, admiring their ease and sense of humor -- and I think that your post goes a long way toward explaining why.
ReplyDeleteAdrianne, thanks for the feedback. Otters are also about affection. Otter will bring presents to one that it feels affection towards, and seems to present the present with a "human" expression. They are indeed a treasure!
ReplyDeleteJudy