Unfinished: A Personal Journey of Healing, Self-Discovery and Resilience

Every morning, before most people are up and about, my husband and I, along with our Siberian husky, go for our hour-long walk. For the most part it is in a quiet and remote area, offering an abundance of wildlife; some of which have been a little too close for comfort. (wolves, bears and the like!)

This morning, just at daybreak, we had the privilege of observing a bald eagle just above our heads, flying effortlessly with grace and stealth. As it circled, it reminded me of Native legends and their belief that animals enter and exit our lives everyday to offer us guidance and support, if we are open to it. They also teach that animals can be “totems” whose energy attaches to someone during their lifetime. I must say, based on my own experiences, I truly am a believer of this.

As a child who experienced multiple forms of abuse, my attachment to horses was instrumental to my survival. Symbolically, horses represent power and freedom and that was exactly how I felt when I rode. It was on the back of a horse that I felt wild, strong and free from all the constraints and dysfunction around me. (Check out the feature page of my website! www.isana-unfinished.com)

Later, as I was working through the sexual abuse, I was drawn to the wolf. One of my therapy sessions involved a meditation, something that I was not at all comfortable with. However, it turned out to be profound. Very clearly, I envisioned myself in a dark, foreboding forest when a wolf appeared. His body language encouraged and prompted me to follow him. Reluctantly, I did so and he kept turning back to make sure I kept coming. He led me out of the dark woods on a path to a still pond where I was warmed by the sun and comforted by all the sounds of nature around me. The wolf showed me a message of hope and to not give up, that eventually I would come out of my dark place. Many times when I wanted to quit, I recalled this vision and it gave me what I needed to keep going.

In my memoir, I write about a very special crow that “adopted” me during a very difficult period of my life. If you want to know more about a really amazing relationship, you’ll have to read about it in my book!

Ever since I had the experience of swimming with dolphins, I have gravitated to their energy. They are highly conscious and intelligent beings that can provide healing on many levels (See my Facebook post from Jan. 17th). Frequently, I dream of swimming with them in large bodies of water with high waves and when I wake up, I actually feel that I had been there with them.

Do you have a particular animal that you are drawn towards? I challenge you to pay attention each day and take notice of the animals that cross your path. You might be surprised at the message they have, just for you!