The Circle of Life
On the road less traveled, the smallest gestures of kindness remind us that every living creation is special—and that our strength grows when we protect and cherish them—and ourselves.
A gentle woman I know sent me this picture of a snail she saw on the road while vacationing in Austria with her husband—where they used to live.
She was worried the snail might meet an early demise—so she moved it off the road to safer ground.
She felt good taking the time to help this small, yet sacred, creation.
In that moment, she remembered more about who she is—how those small acts of kindness are so very much a part of her… this work… and life.
I told her I loved her kindness and asked if I could share this photo and some words about her experience on my blog someday.
“With tears in her eyes, she promptly replied, “Of course—I would be honored.”
Now, I imagine that tiny snail—alongside all the wounded parts inside of me. They are curious. It looks and feels like they each have their eye on me—awaiting my next move.
I tell them they are like that snail—just trying to find a way home through mysterious and sometimes treacherous territory.
Taking a breath, I softly whisper, “I’m the one you grew up to be, and you live in my heart now.“
Feeling them snuggle closer, I rock them in my arms—and gaze lovingly into their eyes.
I explain how they once had to live inside a shell that became their traveling house. But they don’t need that shell anymore.
Noticing one of the littles crawl out of his shell and come closer, I place my hand on my heart and feel every beat.
The beat is getting stronger and steadier. He feels safe and doesn’t have to hide.
I know I won’t live forever, but I’m glad he’s no longer wandering in rough terrain—he‘s exactly where he needs to be.
Hold on...There’s something else he wants to say…
“Thank you for listening to what really matters. I know I am loved and you can protect me now—because I am you and you are me.“
Oh yeah, there’s something else he wants you to know. He says, “I’m happy you’re reading these words—so the little snails you work with, and the ones you hold inside, can find their way home to the bigger one that surrounds them—and all of us—reminding us how we are different and the same."
Before going to sleep, I think about how grateful I am—and for all of you, too. It was the road less traveled, but it brought them safely home—now resting peacefully in our hearts.
Through small acts of kindness, I hope we can live in the light of invisibility—and come home again—not just offering kindness to others but being kind to ourselves.
In this place, we can feel like we are bringing therapy to life—and are bringing life to therapy.
That’s the circle of life—sung with full hearts by the cast of The Lion King, stepping back into their stage life in the midst of COVID’s first intermission. Please click the link below after reading these words to watch the video.
Their courage echoes how we can maintain or reclaim our Core Self even in the midst of trauma. Like a glowing light within, it reminds us who we are and steadies us through the storms ahead. Let’s sing together—and remember…
Let us never forget where we came from and why we are here—our value.
Even in the darkest of times when we feel unnoticed—or noticed wrongly—the circle of life is still shining inside all of us, bringing us back home to begin our next song—closer to the one we were always meant to be.
We hold the light together. Enjoy!
Comments or questions? Email me at mcecilvt@aol.com. Feel free to share these words—and this blog—with anyone you hold close or long to be held.
Dr. Cecil is a licensed psychologist, certified AEDP supervisor, approved EMDR consultant, and senior CSRT consultant. He specializes in treating complex relational, developmental, and transgenerational trauma, bringing therapy to life through heartfelt stories and images of connection and healing that emerge from the light of invisibility.