Did you know a snake grows but the skin does not? When the skin becomes too restrictive, it is because a new skin has developed beneath the surface. This is a condition that can occur several times a year. While in the “double-skinned” state, the snake becomes listless, its eyesight becomes dull, and it loses its ability to accurately assess its surroundings. These conditions also cause the snake to be more aggressive; thus, shedding becomes imperative for survival.
To aid in this process, the snake will find a tight, rough passageway, like the fork of two branches in a tree or a passageway between two rocks. The snake rubs its nose on the rough surface and tears the skin near its head. It then begins the process of crawling through the tight passageway, the old skin hanging on the rough surface as the snake makes its way to a shiny new freedom.
I never cease to marvel at how nature constantly mirrors our own soul growth processes in so many ways. The more our souls expand, the more our old, external environment may feel restrictive. We may even find ourselves a bit snappy and aggressive as a result of the misalignment of inner and out realities. What is needed is a good shedding process. For a snake, that process can take up to 14 days; for us, it can take lifetimes.
Ironically, what is always provided, it seems, is the rough passageway whereby we are helped to shed the old part of us. Even more ironic is the fact the process is initiated by having our noses rubbed in the abrasiveness of a given situation. But the skin cannot be ripped from the snake, as the Buddhists say, nor can authentic change be forced upon us. Only when we are determined to let the old self go and persistently wiggle forward in our environment can the shiny, new inner self emerge. Then we rest and grow some more, until once again, we trigger the shedding process of which we are an eternal part.
Blessings,
Rev. Donna
Unity of Fairfax Chruch
2854 Hunter Mill Road
Oakton, VA 22124
www.unityoffairfax.org
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