The Vine and The Polar Bear | Grounded and Grateful
Yesterday was that day for me!. Awake at 7 am to enjoy a hike with a friend later that morning, I found myself wanting to stay isolated in bed instead. It was a freezing 20 degrees outside and I was starting to regret my decision to go on this hike. I continued to layer on clothing and then received a text canceling the hike and to meet up for coffee instead; thank goodness for the spirits who had my back this morning.
I then spent the next few hours catching up with my friend and exploring a local sculpture park and crystal shop. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was still meant to go on this hike that I was dreading earlier, but I needed to go alone. After arriving back home, where my contractors had started to work, I knew if I didn’t follow this intuitive feeling, I would be doomed to fall into the usual workaholic trap. It’s Saturday and I really needed to listen to my intuition.
I made lunch, packed a bag, and kept my hike journey local. I would explore the additional 5 acres of land behind the property I’m working on. Grateful I remembered to grab my walking stick, as the rain had made the ground muddy and caused many branches to fall and cover the ground. There is no clear path or trail to follow and once I was immersed in the nature of it all, pause happened. The leafless trees surrounded me, tall and massive, and I could hear the faint sound of a stream of water. I continued on through prickly, and hanging branches, carefully testing out the next step with my stick. I finally made it to the bluff and took in the beautiful view. The day was clear, and I could clearly see and feel the elevation, which was a combination of excitement and fear.
I walked back to a structure that was partially built by the previous owners and made this my spot to ground myself. I lit incense and took out my tiny Frida Kahlo book. It only took a moment to be mesmerized by this vine that seemed to be holding up two tree branches. I followed the vine up this massive tree as it swirled around its trunk and then lost it as if it extended itself up into the clouds. My eyes followed it back to where it had rooted itself, I now had the words I needed to write in my tiny book
"The Vine | Grateful and Grounded." Engaging in my usual routine, I documented the moment with photographs and immersed myself in the profound stillness. Despite the cold, a serene atmosphere enveloped me, and I couldn't shake the feeling that the vine held a metaphorical significance for this juncture in my life. Packing my belongings, I reached out to touch the vine's base with my right hand, instantly sensing its strength—cold, heavy, and dense. I asked it to share its resilience with me, to aid in my healing journey, enabling me to support both myself and others in our interconnected community.
Expressing gratitude, I embarked on my journey back up the mountain. The ascent felt more challenging, hindered by bushes and prickly thorns. This obstacle delivered a message—our interconnectedness provides daily opportunities to assist others on their uphill climb. Pausing frequently to trust my intuition and make decisions, I embraced this newfound understanding.
Upon returning home, inspired, I penned my first blog in nearly a year. However, moments before publishing, I lost all the words on the page. Suppressing anger, I confronted grief, confusion, and a sense of unworthiness. The fear of losing my words had haunted me for a year, and this loss felt devastating. Uninspired by my surroundings, except for this challenging project, I faced an emotional overload.
After shedding a few tears, I considered two reasons for the mishap—perhaps this journey was meant solely for me, or it wasn't over, and the full message remained elusive. Opting for rest, I awoke to the image of a polar bear, prompting research that unveiled a profound message. The polar bear, potentially my spirit animal, signifies the journey I've been on, emphasizing the importance of finding a quiet haven for healing and living in gratitude.
Both the polar bear and the vine symbolize power, strength, perseverance through adversity, and the fortifying benefits of hibernation or quiet time. Committed to giving myself space away from chaos to heal, I vowed to remain rooted, open to connection and community. Recognizing the necessity of imbalance to regain equilibrium was part of the message received, and I look forward to further revelations as I continue allowing myself the space to connect and heal.
Mucho Love,
Jamie
Some of my research:
https://treesymbolism.com/vine-tree-meaning-symbolism.html
Vines tend to dig in wherever they can in order to get a strong foothold and assure their own growth. A great metaphor for life – but be aware that most vines can be a bit prickly. Thus it can also mean healing and protection as well as celebration and abundance.
Vine spiritual meaning, soul regeneration, movement, and continuation,
prosperous opportunity, communication, and connection expansion fertility bounty.
Vine is connected with prophecy and the relaxation of inhibitions. The surfacing of intuition.
If everything in your life seems chaotic, Polar Bear reminds you to find a quiet haven. Silence is a great healer. This time-out also serves as a grounding force where you can get your feet under you again. They have strong intuitive navigation that helps protect them. Polar Bear Spirit Animal comes to your aid when you feel faint of heart. The challenges in life can often overwhelm. Polar Bear saturates your aura with renewed courage and self-determination. The Animal Guide has a plan: Be ready for the opportunity, but don’t jump the gun. Polar Bear’s mantra is, “Anything good is worth waiting for as long as it takes to get it.”
-From multiple online sites
