allies, or how I'm trying to love the mosquito

Mosquitos love me.

They always have, and they always will - I imagine. From the time they start appearing in my backyard or they follow me around at camp, I know we will share many encounters.

Mine will be of the itchy, bumpy kind.  Their's will be one of nourishment and full bellied satisfaction.

I want to tell you that I've made peace with this.  But...that's not quite true.

However, I have moved into an understanding with them.  I have begun to consider the way we interact and the way we connect as a possible allyship.  A place where we can see the value of each other's existence and even celebrate it.

(Sometimes.)

This idea of being allies is one that I think I've taken for granted most of my life.  I've assumed that people and energies would be there, and (thank the gods) it's been true for me. But the mosquito asks me how I cultivate allyship?

AM I PAYING ATTENTION?

Within a world of texts, emails, and ever-dinging/ringing notifications, I forget what's around me.  I take it all for granted.

I might go a day without feeling the wind, warming my skin in the sun, seeing the water cling to the morning, walk on the soil, and look up at the stars.  Because I am at my computer, writing. Because I tell myself I have better things to do.  More important things.

No relationship can survive in these conditions.

The mosquito wakes me up and reminds me I am outside.  I am in the elements and exposed.  Wake up, they tell me.  Feel the bite and hear the buzzing of things that go on even when you don't answer that email right now.

Be quiet, they whisper. Go inward. Remember your persistence. Recall your own willingness to chase after the thing you want most.

Even when it's dark.  Even when it's cooler.

Allies.  We're in this together.  And perhaps there are times when I'd rather not be on the receiving end of a welt or another piece of skin I will try not to scratch, but I will remember.

They're trying to remind me to pay attention.  To be a part of this world, a part of this moment.

I bring our relationship into focus.  And the less I ignore, the more opportunities I have to be in that moment.

We are allies. We are in this together.

PS - We're going to dive into the conversation of invoking the elements as allies in ritual on June 18, 2015. Here is the event page, if you're interested! -- https://www.facebook.com/events/1606225402969283/

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