It’s August! As you read this, I’ll be in Johannesburg, South Africa, en route to Swaziland for my next African adventure and Soul Safari with William Whitecloud. We’ll be exploring the patterns and beliefs running in our consciousness, while we hang out with a few lions, giraffes, zebras, impalas … and potentially all of Africa’s “Big Five” game.
So I’ve been thinking a lot about the lions–my faves—and hoping to get up close and personal with my animal soul sisters and brothers. You see August is also my birth month, and I’m a “Leo,” which has the astrological symbol of the lion.
In astrology, Leo is ruled by the Sun, and is the sign of play, creativity, self-expression, romance, leadership and being centre stage. According to my friend and intuitive astrologer Lisa Zimmerman, “Leo energy” is all about stepping into the spotlight, and the highest expression of Leo is to be the Light for those who can’t find their own — and to empower others.
So it’s no surprise that in the next few months I will take on two important projects to empower both women and children to have the courage and support to shine their light in the world.
First,the kids. I’m climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania in mid-September to raise money to provide food, shelter, education, and LOVE for 40 abandoned, and often traumatized, children at the Kipchamgaa Children’s Home in Kenya. (See more about that below “In the Spotlight”).
Then in October, a business partner and I are co-creating a retreat in Tuscany (yes, Italy!) called Destination Transformation for women to embark on their own personal renaissance and become creative forces in their own lives. More about that in future posts.
So it appears it’s time to step up and step into my own “Leo energy” and learn to lead like a lion. Read on about what I’ve learned about living like a lion.
LION RULES 101
When you move, move boldly
This is lion rule #1. Decide. Commit. Move. Have you ever watched a lioness hunt and attack? There is no hesitation, no second-guessing, no standing around waiting for permission, just killer focus, speed, and stealth-like power. When you move, move boldly.
For me, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a bold move, but I’m committed to doing it and I’m going for it.
Know that you have what it takes
Lions did not become the kings (and queens) of the jungle by listening to others or following them around the savannah. You are the authority of YOU. Tap into your own wisdom, follow your own heart, and know your own power.
The biggest reason most people don’t transform their lives and ability to create what they truly want is they don’t believe they have the power. Lions lead because they know they can.
Don’t go it alone
Lions hang out in prides (their version of a tribe) because they know there’s strength in numbers and everyone has a valuable part to play in the pride’s growth and survival.
It’s easier to be thrive when you have the skills and resources of others to support you. Greatness loves company.
Honour and value your creativity
Leo’s are all about self-expression and creativity, but even “non-Leo’s” and people who think they’re “not creative” can create—businesses, relationships, health, cupcakes — anything.
The instinct to create is part of being human, so focus on what you really want to create and then take the most obvious next step.
Lead by bold example
Back to Lion Rule #1: when you move, move boldly. Bold and brave actions embody the “Essential Leo,” and lion-hearted energy. Leo’s are here to lead, to create something original, and to be the light for others.
Lions lead by example through acts of courage and generosity. They hunt down beasts twice their size and bring it home for dinner. Lions live and love in a big way. And the world can always use more of that example.
As a friend said to me: “When we lead by example, we can’t help but change lives.” That’s how I feel about climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro for the kids at the Kipchamgaa Children’s Home in Kenya. I may never meet some of these beautiful little beings, but I know what our group is doing will empower them and alter their lives. Imagine if someone ‘climbed a mountain’ for you… so you could have food, a loving home, and go to school to have a shot at living a good life. What would that example mean to you?
What “lion rules” could you apply to your life today?
P.S. If you’d like to support me in supporting orphaned and abandoned kids at the Kipchamgaa Children’s Home in Kenya, please click here to make a donation.
Thanks for your love and generosity