Giraffe: Grounded Vision

If we really study the many forms of earth's creatures, we may find ourselves deeply appreciating nature's imagination. In the animal kingdom alone, when we think of the differences between dolphins, elephants, turtles, kangaroos, flamingos, we realize how many creative possibilities life holds.

It is for me even more awesome to discover how each form is designed for particular purposes. The giraffe, the tallest of land animals, may extend eighteen feet into the air, with a neck as long as seven feet. Ungainly as this animal may appear, its weight is well balanced and distributed, and it's vulnerable only when it bends down to drink water. However, like the camel, this animal can go for long periods of time without drinking.

Its long neck helps to protect it by enabling it to see over great distances. The powerful body also serves to protect it and its young. The giraffe can not only hold off but can actually kill a lion with a well-placed kick.

Its strong body represents being grounded in physical existence; while its ability to see symbolizes spiritual vision. Thus it teaches us to view our lives in a way that's both grounded and expansive.

Giraffe also makes sense of the expression, to stick one's neck out. When we take risks by stretching our definition of who we are, we see new worlds of possibility. The giraffe's vulnerability when it lowers its head to drink reminds us that if we lose sight of our greater vision and consciousness and sink into a mundane way of life, we risk losing our spiritual connection.

Giraffe is one of the Wild Earth Animal Essences.