Tales for Our Times-The Death of the Hawk

Inner Wisdom expresses itself most eloquently through images.  Through the process of Interactive Imagery you dialog with your Inner Wisdom and discover whatever it is that you need to know.

I am in awe of this process and of the beauty and power of the messages I and my clients receive. These stories often feel to me like modern mythology.

In Tales for Our Times I offer these narratives to you. May you find the wisdom in these Tales both inspiring and beneficial.

The Death of the Hawk

Last week, on the day of the first snow of the winter, I looked outside to see the body of a hawk, lying face down in the snow on our patio.  This was such an extraordinary event, that I knew I needed to seek its meaning from my Inner Wisdom.

You see, many years ago I worked with the polarity of the Inner Self and the Outer Self.  In my imagery work, the Animal that appeared to me representing my Outer Self was Hawk.

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As I ask Inner Wisdom what I need to learn, the image of my Hawk immediately appears, much larger and more vivid than I have ever seen him before.

Hawk tells me, “This is about the death of your Outer Self.”

In fact, more than once in imagery I have gone through shedding an outer shell, in order to reach a more authentic Self within.  Hawk assures me that this is a continuation of this process.  He reminds me, “It is always a relief when the shell drops away. You think you depend on those shells, but actually they just encase you. They limit you.  You know this is a blessed thing.”

I agree, but it is also a little scary because it means moving into the unknown without the persona I have cultivated as protection.

Hawk concurs, but adds, “You know you can trust the process!” And how can I disagree with that?!  Every time I have experienced this process of shedding a shell that has outlived its usefulness, I’ve felt better. I’ve functioned better for having done it.

Hawk exclaims, “BE REAL,” and as he does, I can see each letter capitalized before my eyes.

“That is the best thing to be,” Hawk continues, “because then you are genuine and you are authentic. Why pretend to be anything else?”

Hawk points out to me that when I was just starting out as a psychologist I was more concerned with how much  I knew or getting it right or being able to impress. As I have practiced psychology over the decades, and gained in confidence and ability, needing to impress has become less important.  I have become more authentic. Much of what I’ve learned has been integrated, so integrated that it has become part of who I am.

The psychologist persona gets thinner and thinner as I no longer need to display this protective facade to the world.  I become just another human being whose experience and perspective may be helpful.  This feels so much more comfortable to me and I’m certain it’s easier and more useful for my clients.

Hawk affirms, “You don’t need that shell any more. The goal is for the Outer Self and the Inner Self to no longer be a polarity, but for the Inner Self to shine through, integrating whatever has been gained that is of value from outside. Let your inner beauty show.”

This feels like a great gift and a blessing and a very great affirmation.

Hawk says to me, “This is a gift and a blessing and an affirmation not just for you but for those who receive it
because of two things: First of all, it is honest and true and easy to be with and second of all, it models what is possible for them.”

I have always loved and valued Hawk.  I express my gratitude and the enormous joy I feel in honoring Hawk and what Hawk has meant to me and represented to me and the gifts of this learning and wherever it is taking me. I am so grateful.

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I invite you to consider what parts of your Outer Self have thinned so much that it’s time to just let them go.

Remember those times when you have allowed your Inner Self to shine through.  Re-member (re-member means to make it a part of yourself again) how it felt to act in that authentic way.  Open yourself up to creating that wonderful feeling for yourself as often as you can.