Guest Post by Gloria Lionz
Throughout my life, imagination and wonder has deepened my sense of connection with the natural world. Some of my early grade teachers encouraged that approach to life. But once I entered 7th grade, science instructors preferred I ‘stick to facts.’ But here’s what’s true for me: Whether or not one can “prove” they’ve ever inhabited an animal’s body, when humans empathize enough to ‘walk with them,’ our humanity and respect for all life expands.
As a child I ‘tested’ the patience of many; constantly asking questions, maintaining an open mind & heart while I wrote, read and felt my way into what was ‘so’ for me.
I’m as content & awed today by my connections with all beings. This latest poem not only describes how lions live and work together, it also reflects the wonder of everyone’s journey and how they inspired my awareness as a woman and Soul. I hope you enjoy the ‘tale…’
What the Lioness Knows
She’s become a young adult
Too slight to cowl a cub with one swipe
But she’ll get there
Her pride is joyful and healthy
Each one holds life and loss with similar regard
Fierce protectors all
She’s 2nd in command now
Her form matches her intellect, her judgment
Her muscled grace compliments her prowess
She notes a cub’s bravado like the wind
A momentary mood – one many the earth exudes
Aware cues are worthy only when integrated
With her mother and aunts, they’re aligned
Keen observers, they embody sinewed capability
Each enjoys life as they hunt, rest, play and love
When a lioness sights her target
Everyone in the pride notes the alert
Moving cubs to safety long before acting
The lioness is an inner ‘familiar’
I know her subtly from another lifetime
The roles she played lingers in how I live
To be part of a lioness pride
Is to be self-responsible, to lead, to learn
To nurture the gifts of selfhood and clan
The spiritual lessons of the lioness
Reflects what each sentient being needs to thrive
The ability to become courage, humility and kindness
Though my human landscape is no longer the lion’s
How I perceive myself and others reminds me
Everyone, in every form always matters to us and one another
© Gloria Lionz
February 20, 2026
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Gloria Lionz has been a life coach for four plus decades. She’s also a life-long poet and storyteller. Her training in personal growth began in her early 20’s. With certificates in Reiki, Ho’oponopono, and training with Caroline Myss, the works of Alamaia Will, Lynn Andrews, and Dr. Christiane Northrop. She facilitates group and individual coaching and is also an event planner.
She is an enthusiastic gardener, an essential oil instructor, and volunteers at her local cat shelter helping cats learn to trust and recover from neglect and/or abuse. She’s committed to living a life of “love in action”—sharing her passion for helping others notice and accept they’re here to love and be loved.
Gloria can be contacted through her email: [email protected]
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