I never imagined I would be in this situation nor did I ever want to be and I would’ve been quite happy to keep it that way!
Yet I knew that this day would come and I’d be getting another lesson in being afraid — very afraid! — and still doing what I had to do. There was no way around it … for many reasons.
If we notice, life is full of metaphors, synchronicities, magical “coinkydinks” that lead us somewhere - to a chance meeting, a sudden insight or memory, or to a much-needed trial of empowerment whether we think we want it or not.
No, I didn’t want to be empowered by a rattler falling into my window well but perhaps true empowerment doesn’t always come from the things we want or choose and find to be easy and comfortable.
A little note about Crotalus tigris from https://www.savethebuzztails.org (the photo in the video is also from this website):
“The tiger rattlesnake is a relatively small species of rattlesnake, noticeable due to its heavy banding all the way down the body, small head and proportionally large rattle.
They are primarily nocturnal, and can be found in mesquite grasslands, thornscrub, dry oak forests and arroyos/washouts. However, their habitat use changes as they are more likely to inhabit rocky hillsides and ridges in the spring and winter, while using scrub and mesquite habitat in drier conditions. During wet summers, they often use washes for migration.
Tiger rattlesnakes mate in the late summer (July-August). Females give birth usually once every three years, and give birth to 2-6 young at one time.
Their venom is one of, if not the most deadly of any rattlesnake species and potentially of any pit viper species. It is comprised of a neurotoxic-myotoxic cocktail which causes paralysis. However, they inject only a low dose and like other species of rattlesnake, tiger rattlesnakes are very mild-tempered and unlikely to strike.”
[Note: I don’t really care how “low” a dose they inject or that they’re “unlikely to strike” or how many wonderful lessons I’m learning 😅 I hereby declare for this to NOT be a “regular thing!” 🙏 And so it IS!! That should take care of it … right?!?]
Also, being fully in the moment and focusing on the process at hand, I was not thinking of snapping photos of the “milkd-tempered” tiger snake after it coiled up in the corner awaiting my snare, or of it making its excape into the wash. Maybe next time.
Wait … NO!!! NO “next time!” (see paragraph above)
No matter whay your long-held, deeply rooted fears may be, may the Forcccssssssssss of empowerment be with you too!! 🐍 tell me your stories of being very afraid and doing it anyway!!
Some links from this musing …
powerful message today:In case you want to be prepared with your own wrangling tool:
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PS: I love coffee ;))
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