Aunt Lucy’s Coat

Over the weekend my sister and I were at our family home continuing to purge closets and endless boxes of items my late mother had collected over many years. In Mom’s “Inspiration Room” closet, we found two fur coats she had inherited from her dear sister, our Beloved Aunt Lucille. One was an adorable custom design with a pleat and a bow, and a matching hat… So Coco Chanel… so fashionably Aunt Lucy!

Aunt Lucille was my favorite aunt…generous, kind, open-hearted, and comfortable in her own skin, with an adoring husband who was a reflection of God’s generosity and love. As my sister and I poured over cherished memories of Aunt Lucille, I silently reflected on her many lessons. Aunt Lucille was glamorous, sassy, and self-assured, but she also knew when to call for help. Unlike Aunt Lucille, I became overly independent. I fixated on it in so much that I felt I was a failure if my accomplishments had not relied solely on my effort.  It was difficult for me to be vulnerable and ask for help. I understand some of my reasons for this mindset and part of my earthly “metamorphosis” is about learning to surrender in order to receive things beyond my current view…to let go of control and be open more that wants to come. Truly, no small thing for a “do-it-yourselfer.” In a recent dream the Archetypes help me see the folly of my ways:

I have an itch in my back and can’t reach it because my arm is injured. A man builds me a short bristle brush attached to the wall so that I can rub my back against it to relieve my itch. But do use it? There’s a shift and I’m now wearing a short cloak similar to Aunt Lucille’s. I still can’t  relieve my itch. Then, to up the ante, I’m suddenly wearing a heavier full-length fur coat…luxurious, gorgeous… but I’m still unable to relieve my itch.

I chuckle seeing myself in this dream. Duh, Cheptu! Of course, my arm is disabled. Do I accept the man’s help? No, I’ll just bet me a fancy coat. Then I’ll get a bigger, fancier coat. The point is my “inner teacher” gave me an invitation to rely on the help being offered, but my ego went in another direction. Really, it’s not about the coat, nor the itch. It’s about the “arm” of my resistance–my “ego arm” being disabled so I can learn how to rely on the wisdom from my Greater Source. 

Sometimes we distract ourselves with material things thinking our issues will disappear. There comes a time to remove the cloak and deal with the source of the itch. Trust that you are being led, that you are being shaped and formed. Untighten some of that determination to do-it-all-by-yourself and allow the Universe to step in to do what it does with non-judgement, generosity, and power, and a little comic humor along the way.  Be humble and Journey Home.

Love,
Cheptu

P.S. The photo is not a picture of the real coat. Reach out to me if you are interested in learning more about Archetypal Dreamwork at nowjourneyhome@gmail.com. Thanks for stopping by!