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Eight Arms

Half of my back is covered with an octopus tattoo. He’s reaching up at an anchor that is donned with a crown. I had the anchor and crown done in November 2011. The octopus came to life over several sessions spanning from February to August 2018. It was only today when I realized what it means to me.

When people I ask, I just mumble something about liking octopuses. My memory flashes back to the Veruca Salt album cover for Eight Arms to Hold You, the golden octopus with the crown, and the album cover (actual vinyl album that my parents had) for Jefferson Starship’s Red Octopus, the red heart with the octopus arms… I’ve been drawn to the imagery for decades.

I got the anchor and crown done as a tribute in a way. My dad bought his first boat when I was 11. He worked so damn hard for his money and having such a luxury was a big source of pride for him—a symbol of back-breaking work and commitment. The anchor for that piece of my life and the crown for me, the princess turned queen. I got a massage shortly after that tattoo healed and the massage therapist taught me about chakras, the root and the crown, as she thought my tattoo was symbolism for that. At the time I didn’t know anything about chakras. My subconscious sure did.

Last winter, when it was time to continue the tattoo journey on my back, I told my master artist to wrap an octopus around the anchor, to go as big as he wanted. I gave some color input and left the rest up to his mastery. I thought it was just thematically correct and in line with my connection to octopuses. This morning, as I sat at my nearly-clear (finally!) desk, day four of a four day weekend, ready to take on lesson plans, rescue emails, prep for Cyber Monday in my wellness business and catch up on course work for my University of Wellness certification, I got a lump in my throat and realized: I’m trying to be the octopus… but I’m six arms short.

A sneak peek

I can do it all, but I can’t do it alone. I’ve tried to go it alone, resting on adages like, “If you want something done right, do it yourself” and expecting little to nothing from others. It’s time for me to open my two arms and welcome the support that’s around me. I’ve been cracking open, just a bit here and there, to let the help in. Today, I surrender. Universe, I’m welcoming the support with open arms.

I can have the strength of eight arms, if I’m open to the help. I’ll let the big guy on my back remind me of that. Much love.

November 25, 2018

angels Believe Bunnies Energy Healing meditation Purpose Reiki Rescue Uncategorized

Mallory

Hoppy New Year, Bunnies and Bunny Friends!

My final Reiki session of 2016 was shared with Mallory, a darling Dutch girl whom I helped rescue in 2015 and was adopted by one of our volunteers, my friend Lauren. Mallory recently lost her husbun Benjamin, so Lauren asked for me to come over and check in on Mal. Prior to losing Benjamin, Lauren and Mallory went through numerous changes in 2016—a volatile year for many, but hey, if we don’t change, we don’t grow.

I settled in to Mallory’s pen, anointed my third eye chakra with Magnify Your Purpose essential oil and my palms with a few drops of lavender. Lauren had the diffuser going with a relaxing blend to support our energy work. As I flowed through my meditation, calling on my guides, Mallory’s guides and angels and all workers of light and energy to join us, Mallory tossed a cardboard tube at me— her way of acknowledging that she was ready to communicate! Through our hands-on work, Mallory shared with me that she feels in good health. She has a cautious spirit, which complements Lauren’s adventurous spirit quite well. Both Mallory and Lauren share an energy, a bond through the adventure of life and bring balance and care to each other.

Mallory tossed her wood and rope toy 5 times. She also “showed” me the numbers 6 and 4 in combination to create 10 a few times during her session (check out Doreen Virtue’s book on angel numbers to translate Mal’s message!). When I asked Mallory about her past, she hopped away and turned her back. She remembers the horrible life she lived before rescue and wants it completely behind her, so I focused the Reiki energy to send healing, forgiveness and forward movement. Mallory confirmed with me that she loves to snuggle, loves to be wrapped in a blanket as a tangible sense of connection and security. Who doesn’t love a good snuggle?!

She “showed” me oranges, specifically the fruit and not just the color orange. When I asked Lauren about this in our chat after the Reiki session, she burst out laughing. Lauren and a friend were eating oranges in that room just the night before! Messages like this are confirmation to me that Mallory was receiving the energy and communicating with me. I don’t question the gift—I just embrace it and share it.

Our Reiki session closed with the theme of surrender and riding out the changes in life, as more are to come (soon!) to this adora-bun family. Mallory is a protectorate and a symbol of strength for Lauren as much as Lauren is for Mallory— they are truly bonded souls with such a wonderful and needed balance for each other. I am honored to share Reiki with Mallory and Lauren. Thank you, my friend.

Mallory

Mallory’s toss toys

January 1, 2017

Believe Bunnies Energy Purpose Rescue Uncategorized

Never Too Far

Help can take myriad forms. For labeling purposes, help in the Rescue world takes the following forms:

-Catches/Rescues: safely containing and bringing an abandoned rabbit to safety

-Adopting: committing to loving and caring for a rabbit indoors for his/her life span

-Fostering: caring for and loving an adoptable or sanctuary rabbit in your home until a forever home is found

-Networking: spreading the word about rabbit care, adoption and the bleak situation for domestic rabbits on Long Island via social media, in person or any form of communication

-Events: attending and/or helping coordinate education and fundraising events

-Transports: bringing supplies, donations or rabbits from one place to another (often “far” distances)

-Donations: in priority order of their need for our Group at the present time: time, money, supplies

-Bunny Chores: taking that aforementioned donated time and spending it cleaning, feeding and snuggling our foster and sanctuary rabbits

-Collecting Newspaper and Other Supplies: We’ve got to line our litter boxes somehow…

-Emails and Phone Calls: responding to the 100+ contacts we get per month

-Scheduling: adoptions, volunteer shifts, education sessions and events

-Positive Vibes: Energy exists and moves! Although intangible to some, the positive vibes are amongst the most valuable forms of help you can give!

I think I covered all the major categories of help, but even if I glossed over one or some, you should get the idea of just how much it takes to make this all happen. We are saving more lives than ever before; just because the team is great at doing so doesn’t mean the workload decreases ever or at all! For every individual rabbit saved, we need many hours of volunteer time and hundreds or thousands of dollars (yes, per rabbit) in donations depending on length of time in foster care, medical needs, etc.

To those on the outside, it might seem “easy”—just go rescue that rabbit, pop her in a cage and a life is saved. In truth, an efficient and effective Rescue Group takes way more than that. We were involved in a rescue this week of two rabbits over the course of 4-5 days. That rescue took place well over an hour east from the volunteers who were able to coordinate this particular case. They didn’t balk at the distance or even at the cold weather on the day that Orion (black and white) was rescued. When Luna (brown and white) was brought to safety, getting her transported west toward our most-frequented rabbit-savvy vets proved a bit more challenging and the ensuing conversation amongst volunteers and supporters inspired me to write this today.

No, I’m not bragging about how much we do. No, I’m not flinging guilt at those who don’t offer frequent tangible help (PLEASE see the Positive Vibes lines above). No, I’m not complaining about what this takes—it’s volunteer. No one “makes” me do this.

When you feel inspired, scan the list above and know you’re never too far to help in some kind of way. And every second of help, in any form, is treasured and appreciated, always. Much love.