WHAT'S IN A NAME?
30-SECOND VERSION:
THE "BRIGHT" PART:
As humans, we tend to hide in the dark those things that worry us, which are not perfect, which do not perform as we expect them to, or which cause us trouble. By bringing these challenges into the bright light of day, we can evaluate, decode, understand and conquer them.
THE "MOOSE" PART:
People who identify with the symbolism of the moose (like me!) are being called to work with oppositions and are known as individuals who tell the truth, provide society with guidance, and conquer evil with good. We are individuals who are proud of our achievements and want to do our part to share their gifts with others by balancing kindness with assertiveness. Read more about the symbolism here.
THE LAST THOUGHT:
"Moose Bright" sounds weird, right?
THE FULL STORY:
From the moment I started sharing the name of my new venture, I got the same few responses: "Sounds like you, Emily!", "What's it mean?", and "Why did you pick that?"
I promise it's not just because my life's dream is to meet a moose, although...
In that well-known icebreaker game we are often asked, "if you could be any ___ (fruit, animal, etc.) what would you be?" And my answer would definitely be a moose. Well, unless I was asked what fruit I would be, because, um, a moose is not a fruit. :)
Why a moose, you ask? The moose has great symbolism across many cultures, and while I do not come from (nor would I appropriate) a culture associated with spirit animals, I do feel that the general symbolism of the moose represents me well. Let me tell you why.
One of the best descriptions of a moose I have heard (and I regret that I do not remember the source) is “as an animal, the moose is inspiring; clumsy yet graceful, strange and yet breathtaking.”
Some fascinating things are associated with the moose as a symbol which I connect with in my life and in my approach to working with others. Moose represent those who live intentionally, embrace their personal strength, are truthful, balance kindness with assertiveness, and does the right thing even during times of high stress and emotions. (Check out the box below for all the fascinating details!)
Moose symbolism resonates strongly with my passion for helping and advocating for others.
People who carry the moose symbolism are being called to work with oppositions in their lives and are known as individuals who tell the truth, provide society with guidance, and conquer evil with good. They are individuals who are proud of their achievements and want to do their part to share their gifts with others.
I cannot think of an animal that would better define me as a human or in my approach to training, consulting and advocacy.
But, for the record, I also think hedgehogs and raccoons are really cute, and the fact that my cat was named Moose has nothing to do with anything. :)
Oh! The Bright part of “Bright Moose.”
Well, that’s a simpler answer. I firmly believe that we as humans tend to shy away from (or hide in the dark) those things that worry us, which are not perfect, which do not perform as we expect them to, or which cause us trouble. However, it is by bringing these challenges into the light of day that we are able to evaluate, decode and understand them, and ultimately, find success with them.
Oftentimes, these challenges wear us down over time and it is hard for any one of us to find the strength to shine a light on them. It is easier, or less stressful, or less traumatic to let them stay in the dark. But together, we represent a lot of light. A bright light, you might even say. And sometimes all it takes is someone else helping you with the light to illuminate the way forward.
So, how can I be your Bright Moose today?
MOOSE SYMBOLISM
The moose signifies strength, pride, and life.
It represents “the wise elder” or one who is “wise beyond their years.” It describes someone who is capable of communicating the joy of life and sharing knowledge with others along with wisdom and compassion.
It directs us to use our energies on what we can bear in the present, and never on the things that we have lost in the past.
It encourages us to embrace our personal strength and grace, while reminding us to build a wall of protection around ourselves to keep danger and threats away.
It signifies an individual who is courageous and powerful, adaptive and communal, and it describes one who is blessed with an instinctive sense of balance – one who knows when to be kind and when to be assertive.
Its speed represents adaptiveness and endurance. It stands for a person who is fast and agile when they want to be, especially when it comes to opportunities. But they will not do it if it means hurting or undermining other people. They will, however, fight back if provoked.
The power in this creature vibrates with intent. It offers you courage for facing a difficult situation, even perhaps a fight that you’d rather avoid.
It speaks of a person who can be expected to do the right thing even in the most stressful and emotional situations.