Hi there,
I'm R.
M.
Bode.
I wanted to offer a reading of my book,
Spirit Animals of the Sacred Woods.
I was inspired to create this book last summer when I moved out into the woods in rural Missouri from New York.
It was definitely a bit of a culture shock.
I was hearing all these crazy animal noises that I'd never heard before,
So I let my imagination go wild,
And I attributed all these noises to various animals that became characters in this book.
I also did some research into the symbolism and wisdom and medicine that our indigenous people throughout the world have given to different animals,
And that's how I created the content for this book.
So without further ado,
I hope you enjoy Spirit Animals of the Sacred Woods.
Come join Bode for a visit at the Sacred Woods,
A magical land that is unlike all other neighborhoods.
It's a mystical space that is peaceful and free,
With spirit animals for your imagination to see.
Spirit animals are guides that deliver wisdom,
Energy,
And health.
They show us our inner strength and our inner wealth.
Bode sits so silent and so still,
Breathing in gently as his lungs begin to fill.
He breathes out softly and slow,
Feeling relaxed in this calming energy flow.
When Bode takes this time to sit and meditate,
He prepares himself to see the powerful spirit animals that await.
The wisdom of the gentle and determined deer shows Bode how to be graceful and calm even when predators are near,
Teaching Bode when to stand still and when to push through,
To stay on the path and keep his heart true.
The beautiful,
Buzzing,
Humble bumblebee reminds Bode to take flight and be free.
The bumblebee shows that when you work as a team,
Anything is possible no matter how big your dream.
There are so many places for the big brown bear to be found,
Swimming in water,
Climbing up trees,
Or running fast on the ground.
The brown bear teaches Bode to balance activity and rest.
It is important to control our energy so we can perform at our best.
The owl can turn its head around 270 degrees,
Giving it the ability to observe what nothing else sees.
The wise owl is a great teacher of the night,
Reminding Bode to be guided by his instincts and inner sight.
The hardworking wolf is both loyal and smart,
Teaching Bode to make choices with his head and with his heart.
The wolf reminds Bode to trust the feelings he has inside,
To use his instincts when there is something important to decide.
The clever fox is tricky and sly,
Reminding Bode to be alert and spry.
With big pointy ears,
The fox can hear for miles around,
Teaching Bode to be aware of every little sound.
The joyful monkey reminds Bode to have fun and play,
Swinging by life's challenges all along the way,
Teaching Bode to be compassionate and kind,
To care for all beings with a loving and open mind.
The beautiful peacock struts with elegance and charm,
Teaching Bode to have confidence without causing harm.
The peacock reminds Bode to be bright and bold,
To be aware of the wonders in life as they unfold.
The raccoon has very good hearing and excellent eyesight,
Exploring new adventures through the darkness of the night.
The raccoon teaches how to solve problems as they arise,
Reminding Bode that answers are often hidden in disguise.
The wise spirit animals are such giving teachers.
They are kind and loving,
Compassionate creatures.
You can visit them again any time you please.
Just close your eyes and breathe with ease.
Imagine yourself here at the magical sacred woods,
Bringing spirit animal energy back to your own neighborhoods.
