A Lizard in my Pants: Reptilian Reflections
I was teaching Thursday night restorative, a class that has built its self beautifully on the foundation of doing very little and experiencing profound shifts in health and mindfulness from simple asana, dedicated intention and healing space. Though our attention is typically quick to move within and reconnect to our sacred wholeness, our class was otherwise engaged in the unexpected arrival of a tiny gecko who had claimed his spot in a crest of the white curtain. His charming and curious presence brought not only a serge of laughter (he could save you 10% or more on your yoga experience..thank you Ruth) but an opportunity for a collective awareness and inquiry. It seems as if he were our dristi, or focal point, we all gazed upon him with a sense of gratitude for the grace of nature and a compassion that seemed to naturally soften our eyes and open our hearts, melting the stressors we had carried in from the day. He was a reminder of the hidden gifts that can be so easily overlooked; a reminder that those things that we are different from can create a connection to our inherent goodness and Oneness.
I had made the mistake to assume he did not want to be inside on the curtain, for I considered if I were him, I’d likely find myself in the fig tree overlooking the orchid courtyard in the cool of the Autumn night. I scooped him into my palm, cupped him in his own gecko mudra and attempted to place him outside. However, he was quicker than I, and managed to find a path of his own, slipping out between careless fingers and into the rim of my overflowing sweater. I found a sacred pause and slowly began to disrobe, unsure of his where-a bouts. As I pulled my soft green armor over head, he was no where to be seen or felt. Again, I made an assumption he was free. I left the french doors open and invited in the brisk air, another gift of natures grace filling our contemplative space and proceeded with class.
Not long after students were settled into their restorative nests and as I was delivering the deeply mindful messages of the week I felt…..a wiggle….and a crawl…..IN my pants…on my inner thigh! YES, it was him!! I bit my tongue and didn’t squeal, as to keep the peace, but my hand, with a mind of its own, slapped him. With apprehension, I drew my waist line back and reached in, all the while still talking about the importance of acceptance and surrender, and pried the little guy from my leg. He didn’t move, and as he lay in my hand, seemingly dead, I felt awful. Continuing to teach, I walked him around the room with his limp body resting in the creases of my palm giving him Reiki and channeling my inner gecko in hopes to restore our new friend. Then, as if by magic, he flipped over like a wind-up toy and peered over the edge of my thumb and began doing his curious lizard push-ups. I took long, quick steps to the doors framing our gorgeous view and placed him down on the 100 year old steps, I said my apologies and bowed to him, Namaste, little gecko…go on your way.
He is a metaphor for our practice and a teacher disguised in padded hands and cool, scaled skin. From the shamanic perspective animals, when found in unusual places and circumstances, can provide insight into aspects of our lives that need further attention, recognition, contemplation and honor. Lizard totems are believed, by many, to be some of the most powerful spiritual messengers; symbols of change and new beginnings. In nature, lizards display their remarkable capacity of resilience by their unique ability to adapt to extreme temperatures; they have to be incredibly flexible to survive in the harshness of the desert. We, too, must honor the rough process of survival, trusting that our greatest challenges hold the potential for the greatest transformation. The gecko teaches us the importance to adapt, to overcome obstacles and approach our struggles with an inherent power that is aligned with the strength of nature. The gecko holds the knowledge of transformation and regeneration. He invites us to investigate our current perceptions and encourages us to shed old patterns, assumptions, and ways of living that prevent growth, renewal and possibility. The gecko asks, what are you attached to that is holding you back? He reminds us that to be free from the past, we must first be willing to let go and step outside of our dry shells that can no longer nourish our growth.
I find it no coincidence that this little critter made his way into this particular class because it is a devoted practice that invites the very type of transformation our gecko friend represents. After personal contemplation, I also find no coincidence that he some how managed to make his way to an unavoidable place in my awareness casting great detail and consideration into my current circumstances and personal evolution. He has been a powerful and insightful guide for me, and I offer his teachings to you as well.
Just ten minutes after I had placed him down on the cool bricks, I saw him back on the curtain right where he started, but this time with the knowledge and wisdom of a difficult journey that brought a sweet awakening.
Many blessings,
Robin Afinowich
Join the RSS feed or Facebook with Robin Yoga. I’ll be back next Sat with more reflections.
