Sparkle & Shine: Stand Your Ground

Sparkle and Shine
Stand Your Ground
Written by Joan Bender

Do others sense your weakness? A couple of weeks ago, my husband threw a big stick and accidentally hit one of our chickens. She was momentarily knocked out , and when she came to, some of the other chickens sensed her weakness and attacked her. My husband quickly rescued her, and brought her into the house to heal. She appeared to have an injured leg and wing and couldn't stand or walk. What's even more interesting, is that our black lab, Grace, has been living side by side with our chicken, Pantera, for two weeks now without incident, and they have been home alone together while we are away all day.

Pantera got her name, because she is very loud, and makes harsh noises, just like the popular rock band. Since her injury, her voice has been very quiet and meek. At first, we didn't think Pantera would make it, but she appears to be on the mend. She has been standing and walking more, putting weight on her leg, and her voice has been getting stronger. We started involving her in the flock with our supervision to help her stand her ground. A couple of days ago, we returned Pantera to the coop full time. It hasn’t been easy for her. She has had to stand up for herself, and at times she retreats to be alone.

So why am I sharing this story? As I've been observing Pantera's healing, it reminds me of how we all have the ability to heal built into us and given to us by our Creator. This innate ability works when we are in a stress free environment, and where we don't feel the need to fight for our own survival. We haven’t given Pantera any medical treatment, only a warm, quiet, safe place to sleep and allow her body to mend itself. It also brings to mind how we sometimes "peck at" those who show weakness. Often it isn't a physical pecking, though sometimes it is. Often, it is more of a verbal pecking of criticism or put downs, and most often, we don't even realize we are doing it. It also shows that sometimes, our own flock can be the hardest on us, when we don't meet their expectations.  In addition, I wonder, when we have to stand up for ourselves, are we being called to show our strength to others or are we really being called to show our strength to ourselves?

As you continue on through life, remember Pantera's story and the messages it offers. Do you need to create a stress free environment to temporarily retreat to, for yourself or a loved one, so that healing can occur? Have you been pecking at someone or has someone been pecking at you? Are you being called upon to offer loving words and compassion or are you being called upon to show your strength somehow? Is seeing your own strength a necessary part of your healing?


Website: www.jbenderwellness.com
e-mail:  [email protected]
New York, USA