Have you ever witnessed a snake decide to shed its skin?
When this happens, a snake finds a sturdy rock and press its head against it with as much force as possible. Using the strength of the muscles along its spine, it pushes the old skin upward, allowing it to dry and loosen so the snake can begin moving its way out of it.
Before the process can begin, the snake must first experience the naturally uncomfortable indicators that reveal when it's time:
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Growth creates pressure: As a snake grows, its old skin stops fitting and begins to feel tight and restrictive.
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Hormones signal change: Internal hormones trigger the separation of old skin
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Senses shift: The eyes cloud, vision blurs, and the snake becomes more sensitive and vulnerable.
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Instinct kicks in: Discomfort drives the snake to seek rough surfaces and solitude.
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Conditions matter: Proper humidity and temperature help determine the exact timing.
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The snake doesn't intellectually decide — but its body reaches a moment where not shedding becomes impossible. The discomfort, sensory shift, and instinct converge into a single clear directive:
It's time.
@theteamacre
Drink water from the spring where horses drink. The horse will never drink bad water.
Lay your bed where the cat sleeps.
Eat the fruit that has been touched by a worm.
Boldly pick the mushroom on which the insects sit.
Plant the tree where the mole digs.
Build your house where the snake sits to warm itself.
Dig your fountain where the birds hide from heat.
Go to sleep and wake up at the same time with the birds - you will reap all of the days golden grains.
Eat more green - you will have strong legs and a resistant heart, like the beings of the forest.
Swim often and you will feel on earth like the fish in the water.
Look at the sky as often as possible and your thoughts will become light and clear. Be quiet a lot, speak little - and silence will come in your heart, and your spirit will be calm and full of peace.
- Saint Seraphim of Sarov