Lessons From Snakes.

by Patrick Liew on February 14, 2013

As we celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Water Snake, I thought about this beautiful animal.

I believe there are important lessons that we can learn from snakes. These lessons can help us survive and succeed in the new economy.

Snakes are known to be sensitive to the environment. They are wary about predators and alert to risks and dangers.

In addition, they have an acute sense of smell and are able to use it to find sources of food. Their lidless and unblinking eyes ensure that they are watchful and responsive at any point in time.

As a result of such a radar screen, they have been able to survive for a long time, making them the subject of many stories throughout hiss-story.

Snakes are able to adapt to different terrains and the harshest of environments.

Whether it is the hottest deserts or the coldest mountain peaks, the bush lands or in the water, they have been able to find a way to survive and reproduce themselves.

Perhaps, the reason why they are able to thrive even under the most challenging circumstances is because they are constantly vigilant. They are prudent and ready to strike at both their predators and preys.

When they make a move, it is usually fast, direct and on target. They can coil around their preys and strangle them, poison them, or swallow them whole.

I am by no means suggesting that we should be cruel and to act with violence. Violence will only produce more violence.

I believe that ‘He who lives by the sword will die by the sword.’ (Mathew 26:52)

Having said that, we will do well to remember that in an unpredictable world, we must find ways to ring fence ourselves against real and potential enemies. We need to render them harmless while we pursue worthwhile causes.

According to a report by The Straits Times dated February 13, 2013, researchers at the National University of Singapore have been able to extract and develop a powerful painkiller from king cobra.

It is 20 times more powerful than morphine. Laboratory tests have proven so far that there are no side effects.

Another drug, Captopril was developed from the venom of vipers. It is used to treat high blood pressure.

British scientists have been able to convert snake venom into harmless elements. They have the potential to be used to develop drugs for the treatment of cancer and diabetes.

Humankind has a lot to thank snakes for their current and potential life-saving properties.

What I like about snakes is the fact they will shed their overstretched skins so that they can grow a new one. This moulting process can be used as a metaphor for re-starting of our lives.

Life is a series of new beginnings.

We need to put behind and even forget negative experiences that serve no purpose in our lives.

We must be prepared to start a new chapter, a new beginning so that we can focus on crafting a meaningful, exciting and fulfilling future.

From the above salient characteristics, you can appreciate why snakes have been associated with wisdom.

I believe the Bible has a saying, Be wise as a serpent but gentle as a dove (Mathew 10:16) for some of these reasons.

As we pursue wisdom and practice it on a daily basis, we will be able to reach our desired destination in life.

In the Year of the Snake, I wish for you wisdom in bringing out the best from yourself so as to live the best life.

Go4It!

Photo by Alice Yeo S H, my beautiful Da Jie (Big Sister) since I was 12 years old.
I hope this message will find a place in your heart.

By the way, I have also recorded other reflections.

Visit my Inspiration blog at http://liewinspiration.wordpress.com/

For my quotes to the mass media on current affairs, please visit my Transformation blog at http://hsrpatrickliew.wordpress.com/

Please visit my website, www.patrickliew.net

Please read my reflections and continue to teach me.

Life is FUNtastic!

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