Being lost – being found

A message from a wolf

When you feel lost in a situation, or in the world, and you do not know what to do. -what do you do?

In this world, it is natural to feel lost. We do not always notice it, but ever since our minds became split and we found ourselves disconnected from everything, with holes and gaps between ourselves and others, we live in a constant state of loss.

We also believe that the gaps serve us, and that we are “protecting” ourselves (our bodies). The world seems to force us to do so. Yet the “balance” we try to hold onto in this world always slips away. Trying to keep that balance ourselves is exhausting, because how often do we find ourselves in situations we cannot control or improve—even with the best intentions?

I often find myself in such situations. They give me the opportunity to truly let go of control and hand everything over to Spirit (non–A Course in Miracles students might call this inner guidance).

Recently I had a day that seemed to go completely wrong. There was nothing left to do but to literally say: “I don’t know what to do, Holy Spirit, so I give this situation to You.”

The Course lesson of that day was perfectly fitting (as it always is!), and I knew God was with me:

³He is my home, wherein I live and move; the Spirit Which directs my actions, offers me Its thoughts, and guarantees my safety from all pain. ⁴He covers me with kindness and with care, and holds in love the Son He shines upon, who also shines on Him. ⁵How still is he who knows the truth of what He speaks today! [CE W-222.1:2-5]

God is with me and has sent the great Comforter, the Holy Spirit. And when I asked Him what to do, He suggested I go for a long walk. So I did. I walked alone in the woods, hardly meeting anyone. I kept “talking” to the Holy Spirit, repeating parts of the lesson and other phrases from the Course. Gradually, I was able to release the situation.

Eventually I arrived at a peaceful place—both literally and figuratively—and spent a few wonderful hours there. A couple of friends I was texting also reminded me that I was never alone in anything. These friends are Course students too, so we know what to do when moments like this come up ;-)

After a while, I found myself in a much better place. It was incredible, actually—I felt so peaceful, almost purified.

Much earlier that same morning, I also had an encounter with a wolf. At first, I thought it was a deer. He crossed my path about 50 meters ahead of me, stopped in the middle of the path, looked at me briefly, and then ran into the woods. It was when he started moving again that I realized: it was not a deer, nor a dog—it was a wolf!

It was a powerful moment: a living being crossing my path with purpose, because the encounter carried meaning. For me it was a sign, a message. After all, as Course students we know that the Holy Spirit can use anything.

I own the Animal Medicine Cards by Jamie Sams, and here is a brief summary of what the Wolf card says:

Wolf – Teacher
The wolf is a teacher, sharing wisdom with others. Find a place where you can be alone, so you may discover your true self. Once you have found your true self, you can help others and share your knowledge. Seek the balance between your own needs and the needs of others.

It was only after the situation had resolved that I searched for the deeper meaning of this encounter with the wolf. I don’t often use the cards, but when an animal crosses your path so clearly, it is absolutely a sign. The Holy Spirit knew what I needed. It was a very special experience, one that brought me something deeper.

The wolf also represents strength, family bonds, protection, and the subconscious (howling at the moon). All of these themes resonated with me in that moment.

That day I thanked the Wolf for coming into my life—he was as a beautiful reminder of what is true. And even when I may have felt lost in certain moments, I realized I am never alone, nor lost. Through surrendering the situation, a solution always comes. And it did, and that made me happy and grateful.

As the Course passage above says, the Holy Spirit is here, and He guides our actions. If we act together with Him, we walk this earth with God as our Source. What we do in this way originates from God—even though God Himself, of course, has nothing to do with the world of illusions.

By going Home to God during the longer and shorter practice periods, and truly feeling connected to Him, I was able to handle my “situation” that day. I am indeed never truly alone—even when I feel sad, ill, confused, nervous, or whenever I feel something that is not of peace.

The lessons, especially in part two of the Workbook, can be so practical and helpful. The real question is: will I let them help me in moments of lost peace? Will I use them to forgive my brothers, and the world (of illusions, which is my own perception)?

What do I do when I feel lost?

I may be lost in a single moment—or in the world itself. I can take a walk, in my mind or outside (or both), to find my Self again. For within us all lies the peace that never left us, and never will, and to which we can always return.

So STOP now, if you feel lost, fragmented, disturbed, or sad. Take a deep breath. Allow yourself to be comforted. Spirit is always with you.

Just follow the trail inward.
Just follow the signs. They are there for you.

The thought of peace was given to God’s Son the instant that his mind had thought of war. ²There was no need for such a thought before, for peace was given without opposite, and merely was. ³But when the mind is split there is a need of healing. ⁴So the thought that has the power to heal the split became a part of every fragment of the mind which still was one, but failed to recognize its oneness. ⁵Now it did not know itself, and thought its own identity was lost. [CE W-WI.2.2]

Love, Valentine💗