By Sheri Kramer, Minnesota
Some years ago, I was having one of those days where I felt particularly sad and lonely. Rather than stay home and sulk, I opted to spend some time at a nearby nature preserve. As I drove there, I asked the Mahanta, the inner presence I can always count on, to help me feel less lonely.
Not long after starting my walk, I noticed a snake in my path, curled into the shape of a heart. I like cats and dogs and other familiar creatures well enough. But I also have an affinity with less universally loved creatures such as spiders and, yes, snakes.
So, coming upon a heart-shaped snake immediately lifted my spirits, and I decided to take a picture. Because the camera on my phone had a very short focal length, I had to get closer and closer to the snake. I worried that if I got too close, it would simply slither away.
Instead, this beautiful being looked up at me, as if to tell me, “I’ve been waiting for you. You are loved. You are not alone.”
It never ceases to amaze me that when I ask for help and I’m open to receiving it, Spirit will show Its love in the most wonderful ways.
—
Adapted from “A Gift from a Snake,” 2019 Eckankar Journal
—Photo by Sheri Kramer
I love all animals, some more than others, and I really love snakes Yesterday I found the right spot to install a new plant in our backyard and wanted to protect it from foot traffic by surrounding it with concrete landscaping stone. I was short one and decided to take one in use elsewhere and replace it later. It was propped on two other stones making a channel for water to run through from one of the downspouts from our roof.
I was wearing work gloves and picked up the stone weighing probably 10 lbs. maybe more and saw a big black racer coiled under it. It looked up at me and hissed. I was startled and too hurriedly dropped the stone back in it place. The snake under it began writhing furiously. I was afraid to pick the stone back up but I decided the black racer had a pretty small head and mouth and I had on thick leather gloves so I’d chance it. I asked the snake to calm down and not bite me and I’d lift up the stone. I told it I was sorry and I loved it and didn’t mean to hurt it. It stopped moving. I could only see the last 6 or so inches of it which was completely still.
I stuck my gloved fingers under the stone and picked it up. The snake was still momentarily. I could see the stone had pinned the snake down and made a dent in its body but had not punctured it or drawn blood, for which I and I’m sure the snake were very grateful. The snake was then able to dart away with no sign of injury. It was at least 4 feet long and at its thickest, 7 inches in circumference; a beautiful healthy snake. I began to sing HU to it as an offer of love and apology for having hurt it. It stopped again about 6 feet away and looked at me, recognizing that I had not meant to hurt it. I think it also said a couple of other things, strong snake language for next time be more careful.
I’ve seen this black racer often on the property and hope to see it again soon as healthy and whole as ever. I thank the ECK that it was not hurt.
Hi Sheri,
Thank you for your wonderful story. I love snakes too!
And I love that it’s looking up at you in the photo. How adorable!
I also love the exchange of curiosity and love between the two of you.
To me the most important message was she was aware and expecting an answer. As she took that next step her answer was revealed. The Mahanta makes it simple for those who do the spiritual exercises and keep their thiughts on It. May the blessings be.
I love waking dreams! they help me so much! I always have my camera on me knowing that help from spirit is out there one click away thanks to the Mahanta. Thanks for sharing!
Jimi I too share the same sentiment. I’ve been studying how to communicate with animals.
Hi Jimi!
Animals give freely love.
Sri Harold says something like we are closest to the love of God when we receive the love of our pet.
Grâce à Eckankar et à la pratique du Hu,j’aime toutes les âmes quelle que soit leur forme. Merci Mahanta.
For some reason all my life, I’ve always loved animals more than humans!
(No offense to anyone.)
The comment about the virtue of asking for help is well noted.
Sometimes this can extend to asking for help from the Vairagi ECK Masters by simply asking Wah Z, the Mahanta, to put us in touch with them.
At bedtime, one can simply say: “I invite the ECK Masters into my state of consciousness. May the blessings be.” or “I invite the ECK Masters to come to me with help with XYZ.” before chanting oneself to sleep.
ECK is the active way.
Snakes are underrated. They communicate their feelings very well, including trust if you give them space and are unthreatening. This appears to be a harmless DeKay’s Snake (Storeria dekayi). If there are venomous species in your area and you don’t know your snakes do not attempt to handle or disturb. In situ pictures of natural behavior can yield the inner beauty of all the wild creatures, including snakes. Thanks for an uplifting story about one of our misunderstood fellow creatures.
Thank you for sharing. All Sugmad’s creatures are Soul too!
Simply beautiful! Let the blessings be!
God’s Love comes in so many ways. Especially where we least expect it to come from. Being more open to Divine love helps us to see God’s love in action all the time. Beautiful story. Thank you and May The Blessings Be.