By Stephen C. Schultz
(Editors note: This is a story used in a Wilderness Treatment Program. Many come to this program having struggled with depression, anxiety and substance use.)
Many years ago there was a young Native American who lived
in the very land you are residing in. He decided to seek wisdom by journeying
to the top of Indian Peak. As he approached the base of the mountain he came
across a rattlesnake that slithered beside him. The snake coiled as if to
strike and the young boy moved back quickly in fear of being struck by the
snake’s deadly venom. At that instant the snake spoke to the boy saying, “Don’t
be afraid of me, I mean you no harm. I come to you to ask a favor. I see that
you are about to traverse to the top of Indian Peak and was hoping that you may
be willing to place me in your satchel so that I don’t have to make the long
journey alone.”
The young boy surprised by the snake’s request quickly
responded by turning down the offer, stating, “I know what you are and I will
not touch you out of fear that you will strike and put an end to my life.” The
snake spent some time consoling the young boy and together they had a lengthy
discussion about the young boy’s journey, the great rainfall that had blessed
their land and the upcoming summer season upon them. After several hours the
young boy felt comfortable in the company of the snake and the snake made his
request again promising that he would make good company on the journey and that he could be trusted.
Reluctantly the young boy agreed, against his better
judgment, placing the snake carefully in his satchel. He then began the long,
tedious journey up Indian Peak. Throughout the journey he and the snake made
good company together. The young boy became grateful for the companionship he
shared with the snake. Finally, just before dusk the young boy reached the
summit. He placed his hand in his satchel, removed the snake and carefully
placed him on the ground. The snake expressed gratitude to the young boy for
saving him the trouble of negotiating the long journey alone. Just then the
snake coiled back and struck the young boy on the leg, allowing his poisonous
venom to seep deep into the skin of the boy. The boy was shocked by the snake’s
action. He had trusted the snake and he responded, “Why did you do this to me? I felt like I could trust you.” The snake responded, “You knew what I was when
you picked me up.”
The moral of this story is that many times we associate
with rattlesnakes in our lives that we know are venomous and destructive yet we
remain in their company. Part of the process of recovery is recognizing the
“rattlesnakes” in our lives and completely freeing ourselves from them.
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