Dear Anita,

I re read your post about the elk.  What a beautiful natural example.  I thought about this often when I was in Africa a few months ago, seeing a lion, and a leopard.  A sight to see – in their own habitat.  So calm and majestic in one breath, and ready to attack nonetheless.  The balance of these emotions/states – innate to such an animal.

Yet we aren’t such animals.  We are not by nature ferocious hunting carnivores. Yet, we may feel like that some days, ready to attack – on edge, ready to pounce.  Such as I did that day after yoga, attacking my husband – with my claws out, ready to fight.

Saying – “get close and I’ll attack” not thinking what “close” meant – good or bad.  Nope, just ready to fight.  Showing off those claws.

I see my sweet dog, a gentle being.  Yet, if provoked, can easily change demeanor – the beauty of an animal, the alertness, the innate sense.  I find it admirable.

Yet, in a human, in me – it served me – when my mother was lurking around every corner, I had my claws, ready to attack, to shield.  Saying – okay what now – I’m ready bring it.  And so even when the fearful predator is nowhere to be find now, the claws don’t automatically retract, we are still ready – I am still ready.  And slowly – I know, I will retract, into a resting position, when I know it is safe.  When I feel safe.