A Lion's Tale

Whether as a child being read to at bedtime, or an adult caught up in a popular novel, stories are entertaining. Not only that, we can learn so much from a story. Because of the way in which our brain takes in information, a story often times will convey a message in a much more powerful manner than pages and pages of information might do. It is our subconscious mind which transforms the story; it connects it to our own memory all the way back to when our soul first came into existence, as well as to our dreams, imagination and the power of symbolism. This is where "art" and "science" truly connect.

That being said, today I want to share a story with you. I came upon it by way of a favorite author of mine, Emory Michael in his book The Alchemy of Sacred Living.

The story takes place in ancient Egypt two thousand years ago, with our hero Androcles. Being a slave, Androcles wants his freedom above all else. "Late one starry night he makes a daring getaway, hiding out in fields, swamps and forests as he travels toward unknown western lands. Closely followed by bounty hunters, he takes refuge in a dismal cave. To his horror, he finds out that the cave is the dwelling of a ferocious lion, who confronts Androcles in the fading evening light. Instead of devouring Androcles, the lion holds out its massive paw, in which is embedded a painful thorn. Trembling with fear, Androcles removes the thorn and the beast gratefully licks the fortunate youth in the friendliest lion fashion.

The lion and the boy spend several weeks together before the soldiers stumble upon Androcles in a field. They take him back to Egypt where he is eventually returned to his master, Casca. As punishment, Casca sells Androcles to Roman slave traders and after months of hardship he is taken to Rome. His fate is sealed when he is selected to be fodder for lions as a spectacle in the Coliseum. On the fateful day, guards lead Androcles into the arena and leave him to die in front of the bloodthirsty crowd. A gate is flung open and a lion rushes toward Androcles. To the crowd's astonishment , the beast stops dead in its tracks, then rolls and plays at Androcles' feet. The trembling youth recognizes the very lion from whose paw he had removed the painful thorn. The Romans are moved by the spectacle and Androcles is given his freedom. He receives the lion as a gift from the emperor himself, and the lion and the lad live out their days as honored residents of Rome. "



Keeping in mind that our subconscious learns from stories and metaphors, you can allow your own mind to take from the story just what you might need at this time in your life. Add to this the uncanny way in which we often receive just the right "message" right when we need it in our own life story. Here are a few suggestions.

The hero desires freedom above all else. He risks everything for his heart's desire. What is it that you desire in your life? Do you need to recommit to it? Are you dedicated enough and making the sacrifices that may be necessary? Remember that even one small daily sacrifice keeps you on the road to commitment for your own dreams coming true.

The kindness of our story's hero is repaid by the lion. We could all use a little more kindness in our life right? Remember though that it all started with the boy being kind to the lion - as opposed to running in the other direction!

The lion was hurting and in pain.... what did he do? He asked for help!

I especially enjoy the lesson in this tale whereby there is a cumulative effect of goodness as it rippled outward. In the same way that a pebble tossed into a pond causes the water to ripple outward in ever widening circles, so too does the energy of our individual acts ripple outward. Remember that the next time someone at work or home gives you a hard time and you are tempted to "pass it along."

I think a more subtle message in this tale has to do with the companionship that is shared by the boy and the lion. As human beings we tend to stay within the "safety" of those circumstances and people that are familiar to us. We quite accidentally put up walls that way; but who is to say whether we are walling others out, our our own self in?

Until next time ~
May you enjoy creating and living the story of your own life,
Dr. DyAnn