Know Thyself

There's an Ancient Greek saying 'gnothi seauton," meaning "know thyself," which my father taught me and has been my guiding truth for so long. The wisest Ancient Greek philosophers believed that true peace and prosperity came from within and that everything starts from the self - as Aristotle said, "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." The Greeks even inscribed "Gnothi Seauton" in stone on the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, to be an everlasting tribute to their philosophy further illustrating just how important it was to them. Meeting this lion and experiencing his gaze, summed it all up for me and drove home not only the importance, but the power behind this statement. 

He saw me from a distance and began walking very calmly yet deliberately right towards me. I could feel his gaze. My guide insisted that he could not see “me…” However, I knew he was mistaken. This lion saw ALL of me, right to the deepest crevices of my soul. As he continued towards me, we never broke eye contact until he brushed up against my hand (I was in an open jeep leaning over with my camera and didn’t move a muscle). He then walked around in a circle, sat down comfortably, crossed his paws in front of himself and continued to maintain my gaze. It felt like forever that we locked eyes… his mesmerizing eyes teaching me so much. He allowed me to take this photo… allowing me to cement this in my memory and share with all of you. This lion knows who he is no matter what has happened or will happen to him. And because of that, I knew too. It's that simple. You already have all you need inside of you...  you just have to take the time to listen and trust your own inner being. 

This lion has so much meaning to me and I hope he brings some clarity and power to you, too. He is a great reminder to have no fear and embrace who you are fully... because you are wonderful, just as you are. 

Worthiness is your birthright, so go after it and hold it as sacred.