In previous columns, we have explored the dynamic
symbolism and influence found in the natural world,
and particularly those represented by the animal spir-
its. They often fly, jump, hop, crawl, swim, saunter and
leap into our lives at the most pivotal time, generally
when we have a big decision to make, and are grap-
pling with two paths on that fork in the road we call
life.
I found myself in just such a position last month, as
I had two big decisions to make and each involved
a considerable amount of time and money, two pre-
cious commodities in short supply in my world. I was
casually told by the property manager of my apart-
ment building that rent for my lease, ending in De-
cember, was going to go way up. Similar units in the
building were going up more than $700.00 per month.
No rent control here! I decided to start looking for an-
other place that would be in line with my budget, but
not without some serious soul searching as to why I
seemed to move so often…always with good reason,
but move nonetheless!
The second big decision centered around making a
commitment to sign up for a nine-week yoga teach-
er training that was to meet on the weekends, which
were the only days I had to decompress really from
the intensity of the work week, and usually I could only
manage to clear part of one weekend day anyway. I
have taken many rounds of yoga teacher training with
multiple instructors, as I felt it would give me a diverse
and well-rounded exposure to study with more than
one teacher. I also discovered that the teacher training
was like mini yoga retreats. They became “my time”
on the calendar, meaning a time I could devote to my-
self, the yoga practice, to meditation, to the stillness
we all so crave, living with the constant energy of Los
Angeles’ urban setting.
I found a wonderful new residence in the form of a ful-
ly renovated triplex close to the Marquez area of the
Pacific Palisades. I could walk to the Self-Realization
Fellowship on Sunset, one of my favorite sanctuaries!
I toyed with a Downtown LA move, but the energy of
the Fellowship seemed to be calling me strongly, so I
opted to move into the triplex. And I asked for a sign
about the yoga teacher training.
My sign came a few days later as I was walking up
the freshly painted white stairs of the unit I had rent-
ed. I couldn’t help but notice the bright green, very
long grasshopper waiting for me at the bottom of the
stairs. I was there to meet the wireless Internet install-
er and upon further study, he told me that I had to