The story of Adam in the Garden of Eden involves naming the animals. Each one stands before him and he finds the word to encompass their qualities. 

 

I've done that. I had a cat named Slinky, and a flock of chickens named after ice cream. Black Raspberry. Toffee. Sorbet. Come to think of it there was no chocolate, though I adore chocolate. 

 

More significantly, John and I christened each of our children. It felt like a weighty responsibility each time, and I wondered how they would grow up to feel about it. I have inquired, long after the paperwork was filed, and most of them like or love their names. The daughter who was named after someone is glad. Those whose are fairly uncommon savor that.

 

Sometimes we compare animals to feelings. Sly as a fox. Timid as a mouse. Brave as a lion. Stubborn as a mule. There are even fictional creatures that blend two species in one, like the Griffin, and Pegasus. This resonates with those occasions when we have a pair of, sometimes conflicting, emotions. Embarking on a trip can be both exciting and scary. Making a decision can be at once a relief, and terrifying. Benjamin reminds me at least weekly that being brave does not mean the absence of fear, but going ahead anyway. Perhaps he is reassuring himself. Autism brings a suitcase of uncertainty along with it. 

 

When we have the capacity to identify those sensibilities we are a step closer to ruling over them. We get into trouble when we believe the appearance that those emotions are inextricably attached to us. Observing that they can, and do change gives us the freedom to participate in creating them, rather than be dominated by our moods. 

 

The other day I was chatting with someone who is suffering from a painful relationship.

 

"How were things a year ago?" I asked. 

 

"They were fine."

 

"Then I believe you could heal this."

 

I look forward to when things are better for them. Maybe I will take them out for their favorite ice cream.