5 Pachydermal Tips to Bring Peace to the Holiday Season

November 27, 2017

Though it may seem unlikely that an elephant could know anything about navigating the wild and woolly holiday season that is now upon us – you might be surprised. These thoughtful beasties have much soft, gray, and wrinkly wisdom to share with humans. Alice the Elephant, an elephant in spirit form, is a wonderful companion of mine and she has generously agreed to share 5 aligning tips to help you have the most meaningful experience possible this holiday season.

 

  1. Grace is an attitude. Have you ever seen elephants swimming under water? We are capable of balletic flow and majesty! It’s as if we have no idea that we weigh as much as a car! We embody buoyancy. So, remember, when you are trying desperately to find a gluten-free, vegan, fair trade, sustain-ably harvested, dairy-free entree on Pinterest to serve at Thanksgiving and despite how heavy that might seem — you can choose to float. Breathe and even try a pirouette.

 

  1. Rely on your posse. We elephants lean heavily on one another for emotional support and make it a point to linger together at our favorite watering holes. It keeps us strong. The holidays are no time to skimp on time with friends. I lovingly insist that you double down on phone calls, caring texts, walking/coffee dates, and nights out with your girls/boys. You’ll be having such a good time you won’t even worry about the fact that your holiday cards never even got ordered in the first place.

 

  1. Show your heart. When we elephants feel something, we aren’t afraid to express it. We cry. We reach out and touch each other with our trunks to trace the beautiful curves of our friend’s cheeks. I implore you this holiday season to say what you need to say and – a good place to start is “I’m sorry” or “I love you,” or, “I appreciate you.” These simple gifts trump any kind of shark attack survival kit or three-piece, minty melon bath set from T.J. Maxx.

 

  1. Clear a path for yourself. We elephants aren’t afraid to do what it takes to get what we need. If the last juicy marula fruit is dangling from a tree’s tip top branch, just out of reach, we will wrap our trunk around the tree and pull it out from the ground to get that fruit. What is standing between you and your marula fruit (a.k.a your peaceful holiday season)? Too many commitments? Too many gifts to shop for? A holiday letter you have dreaded writing for twenty years? It’s time to pull out (by the roots) what stands between you and that juicy fruit! Jettison the letter. Go gift-free for a year or agree to exchange books for that matter. And, for elephant’s sake, say no to the office party that gives you hives!

 

  1. Never forget. Above all: Commit to believing that you deserve to experience all of the love and connection your heart desires. No earning or repenting or serving time is required. Elephants never forget this.

 

Looking for more great reads?

 

 

Excerpted from The Book of Beasties by Sarah Bamford Seidelmann.

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann was a physician living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything. She has trained at the Martha Beck Institute and Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and is author of Swimming with Elephants (Conari Press, 2017) and the forthcoming Book of Beasties (Sounds True, 2018). She lives in northern Minnesota.

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann

Also By Author

Sarah Seidelmann: The Wisdom and Joy of Beasties

Sarah Seidelmann is a former physician who decided to “right-size” her life, devoting her career to the path of personal transformation. With Sounds True, she has published The Book of Beasties: Your A-to-Z Guide to the Illuminating Wisdom of Spirit Animals. In this episode of Insights at the Edge, Tami Simon talks with Sarah about animal spirits and totems—how they show up in our lives, the meaning they carry, and how they can reveal our true paths to us. They discuss midlife career changes and the dark night of the soul that led Sarah to embrace a different sort of calling (including a fateful encounter with a walrus). Sarah and Tami also speak on the nature of synchronicity and recognizing when signs are pointing us in a particular direction. Finally, Sarah considers how we can actively create our best possible lives. (56 minutes)

Find Your Beastie of the Year for 2018

Find your Beastie of the Year for 2018 with these printable Beastie Cards for More Love, from Sarah Bamford Seidelman, the author of the forthcoming Book of Beasties.  Click here to download!
  1. Print out the PDF (double-sided) and cut them each into their own little cards. We encourage you to share with family and friends! Bring them to your New Year’s eve party or to your next luncheon with friends.
  2. Before you select your beastie, take a few deep breaths, center yourself and do anything else that feels good to create a good atmosphere for this process (light a candle, do a few jumping jacks, stretch, sing a few bars of Dolly Parton).
  3. Shuffle your “cards” slowly while day dreaming for a bit about your heart’s desire.
  4. Set your intention: “I am going to select a beastie that inspires and guides me”.
  5. Choose your card.
  6. Look at the results.
  • For even more aligning affirmations you can look up your beastie in the What the Walrus Knows app (available at iTunes) which has 10 aligning affirmations for each beastie.
  • If you got a beastie you are not tooooo sure about- remember that with divination, we may not always get what we WANT but we always get what we NEED. I got cockroach one year for my beastie of the year and it was magnificent in every way (though I initially resisted!).
More helpful hints: 
  • Skeptical? That is perfectly OK. To explore, just set aside your skepticism for a moment and see if your results “help” you in any way. If the answer is yes, then continue to explore and work with the beasties if it feels good. The only proof in divination is if it helps you on your path. If it serves you, then why not use it?
  •  Ah-ha! If you received information, had an “ah-ha” moment or a new revelation from this process and it helped then, hooray! Celebrate! Bless and thank the beasties.
  •  Take what you like and leave the rest. If one line resonates with you then forget about the lines that don’t. If the information contained in them is important then it will come back to you again in another way.
Sarah Bamford Seidelman was a physician living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything. She has trained at the Martha Beck Institute and Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and is author of Swimming with Elephants (Conari Press, 2017). She lives in northern Minnesota. For more, visit followyourfeelgood.com.

5 Pachydermal Tips to Bring Peace to the Holiday Seaso...

Though it may seem unlikely that an elephant could know anything about navigating the wild and woolly holiday season that is now upon us – you might be surprised. These thoughtful beasties have much soft, gray, and wrinkly wisdom to share with humans. Alice the Elephant, an elephant in spirit form, is a wonderful companion of mine and she has generously agreed to share 5 aligning tips to help you have the most meaningful experience possible this holiday season.

 

  1. Grace is an attitude. Have you ever seen elephants swimming under water? We are capable of balletic flow and majesty! It’s as if we have no idea that we weigh as much as a car! We embody buoyancy. So, remember, when you are trying desperately to find a gluten-free, vegan, fair trade, sustain-ably harvested, dairy-free entree on Pinterest to serve at Thanksgiving and despite how heavy that might seem — you can choose to float. Breathe and even try a pirouette.

 

  1. Rely on your posse. We elephants lean heavily on one another for emotional support and make it a point to linger together at our favorite watering holes. It keeps us strong. The holidays are no time to skimp on time with friends. I lovingly insist that you double down on phone calls, caring texts, walking/coffee dates, and nights out with your girls/boys. You’ll be having such a good time you won’t even worry about the fact that your holiday cards never even got ordered in the first place.

 

  1. Show your heart. When we elephants feel something, we aren’t afraid to express it. We cry. We reach out and touch each other with our trunks to trace the beautiful curves of our friend’s cheeks. I implore you this holiday season to say what you need to say and – a good place to start is “I’m sorry” or “I love you,” or, “I appreciate you.” These simple gifts trump any kind of shark attack survival kit or three-piece, minty melon bath set from T.J. Maxx.

 

  1. Clear a path for yourself. We elephants aren’t afraid to do what it takes to get what we need. If the last juicy marula fruit is dangling from a tree’s tip top branch, just out of reach, we will wrap our trunk around the tree and pull it out from the ground to get that fruit. What is standing between you and your marula fruit (a.k.a your peaceful holiday season)? Too many commitments? Too many gifts to shop for? A holiday letter you have dreaded writing for twenty years? It’s time to pull out (by the roots) what stands between you and that juicy fruit! Jettison the letter. Go gift-free for a year or agree to exchange books for that matter. And, for elephant’s sake, say no to the office party that gives you hives!

 

  1. Never forget. Above all: Commit to believing that you deserve to experience all of the love and connection your heart desires. No earning or repenting or serving time is required. Elephants never forget this.

 

Looking for more great reads?

 

 

Excerpted from The Book of Beasties by Sarah Bamford Seidelmann.

Sarah Bamford Seidelmann was a physician living a nature-starved, hectic lifestyle until a walrus entered her life and changed everything. She has trained at the Martha Beck Institute and Michael Harner’s Foundation for Shamanic Studies, and is author of Swimming with Elephants (Conari Press, 2017) and the forthcoming Book of Beasties (Sounds True, 2018). She lives in northern Minnesota.

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Serene older woman in nature with hand on heart

What does it mean to listen to the soul when it feels most exposed? In Marion Woodman’s teachings, moments of vulnerability are not interruptions but invitations to pay attention. Soul vulnerability often shows up through the body, through emotion, or through a quiet sense that something within us is asking to be heard. When we stay present, these experiences begin to reveal deeper meaning through the Jungian feminine, aging wisdom, and Jungian psychology depth.

For decades, we have been devoted to sharing the living wisdom of transformative teachers, preserving their voices in ways that remain true to their depth and presence. Our work brings forward teachings from leading spiritual visionaries, offering guidance that supports inner growth, emotional honesty, and a more embodied way of being .

Here, we look at Marion Woodman on the soul’s vulnerability and how listening to our deepest wisdom can guide a more grounded and aware life.

Key Takeaways:

  • Embodied Wisdom: Soul vulnerability reveals insight through the body, emotions, and inner experience.
  • Feminine Awareness: The Jungian feminine supports deeper listening, intuition, and connection to the psyche.
  • Aging Insight: Aging wisdom deepens reflection and helps integrate life experiences with greater clarity.

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Marion Woodman on Soul Vulnerability, Jungian Feminine, Aging Wisdom, and Jungian Psychology Depth

What does it mean to truly listen to the soul, especially in moments when we feel most exposed or uncertain? In the teachings of Marion Woodman, soul vulnerability is not something to avoid or overcome. It is a vital expression of the psyche asking for our attention. At Sounds True, we have long been devoted to sharing living wisdom in the authentic voices of transformative teachers, preserving insights that invite us into deeper presence and self-understanding. Woodman’s work within Jungian psychology offers a compassionate and embodied path toward this kind of listening. She reminds us that the Jungian feminine lives not in abstraction but in the body, in feeling, and in the rhythms of lived experience. As we grow and change, aging wisdom begins to shape how we meet our vulnerability. Rather than turning away, we are invited to stay, to sense, and to trust that something meaningful is unfolding within us.

Understanding Soul Vulnerability Through Jungian Feminine, Aging Wisdom, and Jungian Psychology Depth

Soul vulnerability often appears at the edges of our comfort. It may arise through loss, illness, transition, or moments when our usual ways of coping no longer hold. Within Jungian psychology, these moments are not seen as failures. They are invitations into a deeper relationship with the psyche.

Soul Vulnerability as an Opening to the Jungian Feminine

The Jungian feminine speaks in a language that is often quiet and symbolic. It is present in dreams, in bodily sensations, and in the subtle shifts of emotion that move through us. When we allow ourselves to experience soul vulnerability, we begin to soften the barriers that keep us disconnected from this inner voice. Woodman taught that the body is not separate from the psyche. It carries memory, truth, and intelligence. When we listen closely, we begin to recognize how the Jungian feminine guides us toward wholeness through feeling and presence rather than force or control.

Aging Wisdom and the Deepening of Jungian Psychology Depth

With time, our relationship to vulnerability changes. Aging wisdom brings perspective, allowing us to see how earlier experiences have shaped our inner life. Within Jungian psychology, this is part of the individuation process, a gradual unfolding of the self. Soul vulnerability becomes less overwhelming and more meaningful. We begin to trust that even difficult experiences carry insight. This trust does not remove pain, but it creates space for reflection and integration.

Soul Vulnerability and the Jungian Feminine in Aging Wisdom and Jungian Psychology Depth

As these elements come together, we begin to sense a different way of being with ourselves. There is less urgency to fix and more willingness to understand.

The Body as a Guide in Soul Vulnerability

Woodman’s work consistently returns to the body as a source of wisdom. Physical sensations, fatigue, or tension can reflect deeper emotional truths. When we approach these experiences with curiosity, we open a pathway into soul vulnerability. The Jungian feminine supports this process by inviting us to feel rather than analyze. Aging wisdom allows us to recognize patterns and respond with greater care. Over time, we learn that the body is not an obstacle but a guide.

Integrating Experience Through Jungian Psychology Depth

Integration within Jungian psychology depth involves holding complexity. We are not asked to eliminate contradiction but to remain present with it. Soul vulnerability allows us to acknowledge both strength and fragility. The Jungian feminine encourages us to stay connected to our inner experience, while aging wisdom reminds us that understanding unfolds gradually. This integration creates a sense of groundedness that supports authentic living.

Exploring Soul Vulnerability, Jungian Feminine, Aging Wisdom, and Jungian Psychology Depth

There is a natural rhythm to inner work that cannot be rushed. Woodman’s teachings invite us to honor that rhythm and to trust the unfolding process of the psyche.

The Role of Relationship in Soul Vulnerability

Relationships often bring our vulnerability into focus. They reflect aspects of ourselves that may remain hidden when we are alone. Through connection, we encounter both our capacity for love and our fears of being seen. The Jungian feminine encourages openness in these moments, while aging wisdom helps us respond with patience and understanding. Within Jungian psychology, depth and relationships are understood as essential to growth, offering mirrors that reveal where healing is needed.

Trusting the Unfolding of the Psyche

The psyche moves in cycles rather than straight lines. There are times of clarity and times of uncertainty. Soul vulnerability is part of this movement. The Jungian feminine invites us to remain present with what is emerging, even when it feels unclear. Aging wisdom supports a longer view, helping us recognize that meaning often appears over time. Within Jungian psychology, this unfolding is part of becoming more fully ourselves.

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The Jungian Feminine, Soul Vulnerability, Aging Wisdom, and Jungian Psychology Depth in Practice

Bringing these insights into daily life can begin with small, intentional shifts in attention. We do not need to change everything at once. We can begin by listening more closely.

  • Take time for quiet reflection each day, allowing space for inner awareness to arise naturally
  • Notice bodily sensations without judgment, recognizing them as expressions of the psyche
  • Record dreams or images that stay with you, honoring their symbolic meaning
  • Engage in creative practices that allow feeling and imagination to take form
  • Reflect on life experiences and how they have contributed to your growing aging wisdom

These practices are gentle invitations. They support a relationship with soul vulnerability that is rooted in care rather than pressure. Over time, they help cultivate a deeper connection to the Jungian feminine and the insights of Jungian psychology depth.

Aging Wisdom, Soul Vulnerability, Jungian Feminine, and Jungian Psychology Depth in Inner Work

Inner work asks for honesty and patience. It is not always comfortable, yet it is deeply meaningful. Aging wisdom brings a willingness to reflect rather than react. Soul vulnerability becomes a guide, pointing toward areas that call for attention. The Jungian feminine supports a compassionate approach, one that honors both the body and the emotions that arise. Within the depth of Jungian psychology, this work is essential to individuation. It invites us to engage with unconscious material and bring it into awareness. As we do so, we begin to experience a sense of coherence within ourselves. We are no longer divided between what we show and what we hide. Instead, we move toward a more integrated way of being.

Soul Vulnerability and Aging Wisdom Through the Lens of Jungian Feminine and Jungian Psychology Depth

As we continue to listen to the soul, vulnerability begins to feel less threatening. It becomes a source of guidance. Aging wisdom allows us to recognize patterns and approach them with greater openness. The Jungian feminine deepens our connection to feeling and intuition, helping us navigate the complexities of inner life. Within Jungian psychology, this transformation reflects a growing relationship with the self. Soul vulnerability is no longer something to resist. It is something to honor.

Integrating Soul Vulnerability, Jungian Feminine, Aging Wisdom, and Jungian Psychology Depth

Integration is a living process that unfolds over time. It asks for attention, patience, and a willingness to remain open. Soul vulnerability remains at the center, inviting us to stay connected to our experience. The Jungian feminine offers a way of understanding the body, emotion, and imagination as sources of wisdom. Aging wisdom deepens our capacity to reflect and integrate what we have lived. Within Jungian psychology depth, this movement toward wholeness is ongoing. As we continue to listen, we begin to sense a quiet alignment within ourselves. It is not something we force. It emerges through presence, through care, and through a growing trust in the intelligence of the soul.

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Final Thoughts

Soul vulnerability invites us to stay present with our inner experience, even when it feels uncertain. Through the lens of the Jungian feminine, aging wisdom, and Jungian psychology depth, we begin to recognize this vulnerability as a source of insight rather than something to overcome.

Over time, this way of listening deepens our connection to ourselves, shaping a more grounded and attentive way of being.

Frequently Asked Questions About Marion Woodman and Soul Vulnerability

What is Marion Woodman best known for in spiritual psychology?

Marion Woodman is known for her work in analytical psychology, particularly her focus on embodiment, the feminine psyche, and the relationship between psyche and soma.

How does Marion Woodman define the soul in her teachings?

She often describes the soul as a living presence expressed through the body, dreams, and emotions rather than something abstract or separate from daily life.

What role does the body play in Jungian psychology depth?

The body is seen as an essential messenger of the unconscious, offering signals that reflect deeper psychological and emotional realities.

How is the Jungian feminine different from traditional ideas of femininity?

The Jungian feminine refers to an archetypal energy present in all people, emphasizing receptivity, intuition, and connection to inner life rather than gender roles.

Why is aging wisdom important in inner development?

Aging wisdom brings perspective, helping individuals reflect on life experiences and integrate lessons that support emotional and spiritual maturity.

How can someone begin studying Jungian psychology depth?

Many begin through books, guided courses, therapy, or lectures that introduce core concepts like archetypes, dreams, and the unconscious.

What makes Marion Woodman’s teachings relevant today?

Her emphasis on embodiment and emotional honesty resonates in a time when many feel disconnected from their inner lives and physical experience.

Can soul vulnerability support creative expression?

Yes, being open to vulnerability often allows deeper emotional material to surface, which can enrich creative practices like writing, art, or movement.

How do dreams relate to soul vulnerability?

Dreams can reveal hidden emotions and symbolic messages, offering insight into areas where the psyche seeks attention or healing.

Is Jungian psychology’s depth connected to spiritual practice?

While rooted in psychology, it often intersects with spirituality by addressing meaning, purpose, and the experience of the inner self.

Michelle Cassandra Johnson is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including Skill in Action and Finding Refuge. Amy Burtaine is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups. For more, visit https://www.michellecjohnson.com/wisdom-of-the-hive.

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