If You’ve Been Swallowed by a Boa Constrictor

The Boa Constrictor Story

I want to share with you a story that my sister, Cynthia Whitcomb, shared with me. It’s a metaphor about being swallowed by a boa constrictor. At some point in everyone’s life it seems like everything is going wrong all at once. You might have lost a loved one. You might have problems at work and conflict at home. You may also have health problems that you’re trying to deal with. It seems like everything at once is coming in and squeezing you so that you can hardly breathe or move.

That’s when you’ve been swallowed by the (metaphorical) boa constrictor.

There are three important things to remember when you’ve been swallowed by a boa constrictor.

It’s not your fault.

The first thing you need to remember is that It’s not your fault.

It’s not your fault that boa constrictor swallowed you.

There’s nothing for you to do.

The second thing to remember is that there’s nothing you can do about the boa constrictor while you’re inside. You just need to hang in there and wait.

You will get out.

The third thing to remember, and this is important: you will emerge, in the course of life as it happens, you will emerge from the boa constrictor.

When you’re no longer inside the boa constrictor, you’ll find that you can breathe again. The things that were so difficult to bear have either changed or become more bearable.  This will happen after a time. We don’t know how long, but you will get out.

While you’re still in the boa constrictor, just remember that it’s not your fault, don’t try to fight the boa constrictor, and you will get out in time.

What can you do?

There are things you can do during the time that you’re inside the boa constrictor to help you get through.

For some it’s being with a pet or animals. For others, it’s being in nature. If you used to love riding a bicycle, or dancing, try to encourage yourself to do those things, even if you don’t feel like it. Bike to a favorite place where you can enjoy nature. Put on your favorite music to dance to.

For some, you might find that reading a book or playing a game where the characters are not in a boa constrictor can be helpful to you, because for a time you can live their lives and get a little respite from the boa constrictor that you’re in.

For some people, if there is a physical imbalance within them, they can talk to their doctor, and some have found relief from different kinds of medications. I’m not a medical doctor and I don’t give medical advice; that’s not my place. Between you and your doctor or medical advisor, medication might be something that’s right for you. If it is, you should follow your own leadings and medical advice that you trust.

Your time in the boa constrictor will end.

At some point you will emerge from the boa constrictor. Life will be better again.

You are loved.

Right now, whether you are in a boa constrictor or not, wherever you are in your life, you are lovable, valuable, and loved just as you are. You are welcome here at The SWAN Church, no mask required.