Totem's or spirit guides, are a key aspect of Native American beliefs, and generations of healers have studied the character traits of both humans and animals in order to understand how spirit guides influence us, explains Steven D. Farmer, Ph.D, author of Animal Spirit Guide.
"Your totem is valuable ally in helping to navigate life's challenges, empowering you in both the material and spiritual worlds," he says. Choose the animal that draws you in, then read on to uncover the message your totem is sending you to help you feel more joyful every day.
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The Owl
YOUR HAPPINESS SECRET:
WRITE DOWN YOUR DREAMS
According to the Timucua tribes of Florida and Georgia, an owl spirit guide is encouraging you to listen to your inner voice and trust your instincts. To strengthen your intuitive skills, take five minutes every morning to write down your dreams from the previous night, plus what you think they might be telling you. You'll be tapping into your subconscious, says Farmer, and using it to guide you to a happier life.
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The Horse
YOUR HAPPINESS SECRET:
KEEP IN TOUCH WITH FRIENDS
The Cheyenne tribes of the Great Plains believe a horse spirit guide is reminding you that while you treasure your freedom, you will be happiest long-term if you maintain strong, lasting friendships. Horses are fiercely independent, enjoy being along and love having room to roam-yet they're still caring creatures, and just like you, they feel need social contact to feel calm during tumultuous times.
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The Eagle
YOUR HAPPINESS SECRET:
POST A GRATITUDE LIST
If the eagle resonates with you, you're destined to be a positive role model for those who get bogged down by day-to-day stressors, according to the Haisla tribe of the Pacific Northwest. "The eagle has an amazing perspective that land animals miss," explains Farmer. "When you focus on the big picture, you're benefiting from the eagle's wisdom." Try making a list of things you appreciate and value-and posting it where others can see it-to guide you and your loved ones to true contentment.
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The Bear
YOUR HAPPINESS SECRET:
LEARN TO SAY NO
The bear grants you permission to set boundaries and speak up when others ask too much of you, says the Lakota Indians of North and South Dakota. When you want to say no but feel yourself wavering, clench your jaw or square your shoulders for 30 seconds before answering to remind yourself that, like the bear, you can stand your ground when being pressured. Says Farmer, "That will make it easier to decline when you're bombarded with requests."
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The Wolf
YOUR HAPPINESS SECRET:
BE A FORCE OF POSITIVE CHANGE
It's natural for rifts to develop, even in loving relationships. And according to the Cherokee Indians of the Southeast, gravitating to the wolf means that you're perfectly suited to noticing early signs of discontentment and reaching out to resolve problems. "Wolves have wonderful close-knit, supportive communities," says Farmer. "And playing peacemaker will help produce a sense of harmony and togetherness within your circle."
Taken out of for woman first magazine.
