Is your motivation informed by external resources such as society’s expectations, or needing the approval of others? Do you live in fear of the future, or lean too much into other’s opinions? In parable six of Girl in the Woods, Timberella explores her burnout and learns that in order to thrive (and make her way Home), her true compass comes not from others, but from within.
Investigating your internal resources
When life is defined—and lived—by too many external factors, it’s easy to feel like you are on a circular path. Round and round, you go on negative mental loops: guilted by someone else’s “shoulds” and shamed by the inner critic who compares you to impossible standards. How do you jump off of the hamster wheel of limiting beliefs? How do you let go of false narratives and learn to trust your own wisdom? And, what does it really mean to live in “alignment” or with “authenticity?”
The Stag | Jodi Rose Gonzales
In the Girl in the Woods, Timberella pauses next to a familiar pond. In the reflection, she sees the Stag behind her. A symbol of divine presence, the Stag has illuded her: she sees evidence of him, but never the Stag itself. She looks behind her; he is invisible. Again, she sees his reflection behind her in the pond.
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Dialogues with the stag
She holds his gaze, and they converse. Timberella shares that she is exhausted from her journey. The Stag acknowledges her state, noticing that she has been on a circular path, and asks her why. Why all the circles??
After consideration, she realizes that she has been listening to the wisdom of others, and learning from that…but she has not paused to listen to herself. Here, the Stag reminds her that she holds the wisdom she needs to move onto a different path. He teaches her how to listen inward, to herself. Leaving her with that imparted knowledge, he gifts her with his antlers, which he places over her shoulders.
ART & JOURNAL Prompts
Here are questions for consideration:
· Where in your life do you feel like you’re running in circles? Are you tired by life’s journey?
· Are your definitions of success, fulfillment, or purpose defined by you, society, or someone/something else?
· Is there a gap between where you’re at now, and what is really wanted (or needed) in your heart?
· Do you listen to your inner voice, or are you distracted/distrusting of it?
· What kind of encouragement or support would help you to “tune-in”?
ART PROMPTS: Set the intention of inner guidance by writing these words at the top of your journal page. Draw, or create an object that symbolizes an “internal compass.” Journal with the image/object, asking: What wisdom does it have to share? What 1-3 specific actions can you take that would inform a new direction? Finally, ask the artwork: Does it have anything else to share? Answer these questions with your non-dominant hand.
Timberella 4 | Fine Art Print
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you have what you need
As parable six comes to a close, Timberella is hesitant to follow the Stag’s directions. She lacks trust and assurance in following her inner voice, but she decides: it offers a new path, and that is necessary. She asks herself, what have I got to lose?
If you are feeling tired, bored or burnt out by a hamster wheel in life, consider using new tools. Ask yourself: am I trusting my inner wisdom for guidance? Get still, listen inward, and practice mindfulness in how you move through the world.
Jodi Rose Gonzales ATR, NCC, ERYT, YACEP was recently celebrated in Times Square as the International Association of Top Professional’s Global Impact Artist of the Year. She is an artist, art therapist, author and yoga teacher who inspires her audiences through art and teachings intended to spread more hope and healing throughout the world. Get a FREE copy of the Girl in the Woods Parables, which explore the wisdom teachings associated with each of the six Timberellas, HERE.