What’s Your Rhino?

In Martha Beck‘s new book, Finding Your Way in a Wild New World, she recounts her thrilling up-close experience with a protective mama rhinoceros. Martha uses the rhino as a metaphor, as she describes,

“Your ‘rhinoceros’ is anything that so fulfills your life’s real purpose that if someone told you, ‘It’s right outside – but watch out, it could kill you!,’ you’d run straight out through the screen door without even opening it. Barefoot.”

While I haven’t had an adventure with a rhinoceros, I can relate to the feeling Martha describes. It’s those times when you feel most alive. The activities and people that make your heart feel so full, you imagine it must be glowing just like E.T.’s heart.

I’ve had many of these experiences while travelling, and several included interactions with animals. Like the time I was snorkeling in Hanauma Bay in Oahu, Hawaii and was told there were sea turtles around. I SO wanted to see a sea turtle! I searched and covered one end of the Bay to the other, but no sea turtle. I finally gave up and just amused myself with the diverse and colorful fish in front of me. And I got that feeling like someone was watching me. You know, that hair-stands-up-on-the-back-of-your-neck feeling? I looked to my right, and there was a sea turtle swimming beside me. It was huge! Several other snorkelers were on the other side of the turtle, but it was closest to me. I was struck with awe and gratitude. It was so beautiful and graceful. I think I forgot to breathe. I definitely forgot to take a picture. But it’s one of those moments I treasure in my memory. And how does this encounter factor in to my life’s purpose? Two ways. One of the areas I’ve loved learning more about through my coaching community is the connection of all living things and how we can get messages from animal totems and symbols. Also, I am planning on leading destination coaching trips, where I can take people to explore different parts of the world and learn more about themselves in the process.

I’d love to hear about your “rhino.” Leave a comment, or join me as we kick off the virtual book club for Finding Your Way in a Wild New World next Monday. It’s not too late to sign up!