Lying In Wait

A majestic tigress peacefully enjoys the warmth of the midday sun with her little cubs sprawled around her after a busy morning of exploring and family playtime.

What was that? A loud noise roused the resting Mom. Gathering her weary cubs in closer, she locates a position behind the thick taller brush with an open sight line. Her maternal survival instincts start aligning, her focus steady, her body lies in wait, and her entire being is gather strength in preparation for impending danger.

Where does her strength come from? Was it just bestowed upon her from the magical power fairy, who shows up just when needed? I think not, haha, however enticing that idea seems, magical fairies are not actually necessary. Even though the tigress has immense physical strength, there is yet another source of strength at paly in this scenario.

Cover Photo: Newly born Bengal tiger cubs whose eyes have not yet open. Courtesy: Alamy Picture Library

While the Mom and cubs rest, she feels calm and peaceful, however always aware of their surroundings. As soon as she is altered to possible danger, she shifts into protection mode. Not only is her body preparing for survival, her will and determination are strengthening. An honest desire to overcome any adversity coming her way, the tigress lies in wait, until such time as her strength is needed to protect against danger. Our very own indwelling source of strength is always available, always inside of us, also lying in wait, until such time as it is needed.

The following quote by Richard F. Byrd affirms the fact that an incredible source of power is within each and every one of us. “Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.”

I believe the majority of people have no idea just how much strength resides inside of them. We often play into that quicksand pit of doubt that once we dip into it, we are drawn down, sinking all the way to the bottom of the – I knew I couldn’t cesspool.

Marquetta with her daughter, Ashleigh

Eleanor Roosevelt said, “Women are like teabags. We don’t know our true strength until we are in hot water.” I think this evenly applies to men as well as women.

My personal experience through this amazing life journey is no exception. Occasionally, just when my feet are dangling on the edges of the ole familiar pit of doubt, I have been surprised at the undeniable power that surfaces from within,

Fueled by years of a self-driven pity mentality, I felt a little shafted by life itself. I mean, dealing with a dysfunctional family I thought, wait… oh yeah, everybody has a dysfunctional family in one way or another. Then, I rolled into the party years, and honestly I don’t remember all of those. Of course, that gave way to many bad decisions, and too much alcohol and drug use. However, after calming down before the birth of my daughter, I settled into what I thought was the rest of my life course.

Life, had other plans.  After 17 years of family life, the romance song stopped playing, and my daughter and I set out on our own. I’ll just confess that I was straight up scared. “Could I do this, could I take care of her, could we make it, would we be OK?” At first, I didn’t really know, and I started to wade into the pit, but wait… just wait a minute. I was the tigress, and she was my cub! I pulled her close, set up my sight lines, maintained focus, and remained aware of our surroundings.

The strength dwelling inside of me started to surface, that same power I had doubted. It was there all along, lying in wait until such time as needed. I can honestly say we are happy, healthy and safe, as we explore each new day the mornings continue to bring.

“If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would literally astound ourselves.” – Thomas Edison

– Marquetta Newell

Originally from Sand Mountain, AL, Marquetta has lived in the Shoals since 1979.  She is certified in Personal Reiki  and Laughter Yoga. As a Healing Energy Practitioner and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader, Marquetta has conducted workshops in both areas, and  her classes have been featured on local television.  The love of her life is her daughter, Ashleigh.  Marquetta’s cakes are to die for, and her affirmation is to infuse every moment of this journey with Love, Light, and Laughter.