@Duff – Hmmm, wolf as teacher? Interesting. It is fascinating the different meanings animal figures can hold. Thanks for the link – I’m always interested in learning about new techniques and ideas.

@Chris – wow, what an image. I have to admit that one idea that came to mind was a dance/improv based around my wolf (that being my expressive art of choice). But to physically channel him like that – oooph, a bit too powerful/overwhelming for me right now. Still, I have a few pieces in my head that I want to make reality when I have more comfort from which to create them, so I’ll keep in the process and see where it goes.

What a wonderful process and a great story!

I have a student ( I teach expressive arts/intuitive painting classes), who had a dream image/waking fantasy of a guy who had been tortured that kept coming up again and again. This understandably disturbed and deeply frightened her and she would always try to repress it ……which she actively did for over 30 years!!!!

She finally told me about it and I encouraged her to use the painting process as a way to explore this figure. She did and found out that he had a lot to say to her about the wounded masculine inside of her and in the culture at large.

After she painted him she started to write about him and after 5 years ended up with a gripping, adventurous fantasy trilogy about his spiritual quest from tortured and dying to whole and healed. She realized at a certain point that this inner figure that she so feared was really trying to lead her to a place where she could engage with the power of her own creativity and bring an important message into the world.

I wonder what that wonderful wolf has in store for you???

Thanks for the inspiring post….

The process you described is very similar to a process I recently discovered and use with myself for everything, and am now coaching clients with. It’s called Core Transformation (http://coretransformation.org), and it similarly engages directly with one’s wacky unconscious (like the wolf image/feeling) and asks “what do you want” at deeper and deeper levels. I’m continually amazed that every part of me wants something very positive.

Metaphorically, the wolf often represents the teacher. I used to be obsessed with wolves when I was a kid (the opposite of your wolf phobia). Now I love teaching people stuff. Coincidence?

Step 1 is *always* give yourself permission to feel how you feel. Best lesson ever!

The sense of belonging, of tribe, is so strong in humans. I look forward to finding/building my tribe/pack from a place of strength.

@Carole – yey for inspiration! But before you go ‘confronting’ any fears read Havi’s post. Pure fear melting juicy goodness! P.S. You have a new subscriber – excellent website recommendations!

@Monica – totally wish you loads of happy good feelings for meeting your fear.

@Tzaddi – Arooooooooo! Just 1 week ago that would have had me hiding under my duvet!

Glad you’ve found the pack

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