Lessons from a Gecko: Rest and Renewal as Resistance

In 2024, I did not have rescuing a leopard gecko or preparing for a second Trump Presidency on my bingo card.

But the metaphorical lessons I’m learning from our gecko (which Jacob named Porsche) are helping me get through today’s inauguration and beyond.

So, I wanted to share this gecko wisdom for rest and renewal as resistance, along with some reflective questions, in hopes they help you too:

#1 – Find your favorite hide. Porsche spends most of her time in one of her “hides,” small, sheltered spaces designed to give her a sense of security. Hides are essential; because they provide a place to rest and feel safe from threats. It will be necessary to seek comfort, rest and restore to safeguard what matters. So ask, “What spaces bring me comfort?” Then give yourself permission to go there.

#2 – Check your environment. The biggest part of caring for our gecko is making sure her environment is set up correctly. We have indicators to check for proper temperature and humidity and we monitor them throughout the day to make changes if needed. Imagine bringing the same kind of care to yourself. Think about “What do I need in my environment?” And identify “What indicators will help me know when I should make adjustments?”

#3 – Shed what no longer serves. Every 4-6 weeks, Porsche’s skin turns pale as her body signals It’s time to release her old skin, revealing bright, fresh skin below. If her environment is right, the shedding process goes smoothly. She even eats her skin, (kind of gross but also so cool) receiving important nutrients she couldn’t get elsewhere. Reflect for yourself, “What can I let go of? What can I take with me of value from what I’m releasing?”

In synchronistic timing, Porsche was shedding last night, as Chris, Ryan, Jacob and I curled up on the couch watching Star Wars, the ultimate story of resistance. The two together inspired me to write these reflections and solidify this wish:

As we navigate the times ahead, may we all find our safe spaces for rest and comfort, nurture the environments that sustain us, and release what no longer serves. In doing so, may we uncover the strength to protect and build what matters most.

What else I am doing

In addition to channeling some “gecko wisdom” here are some other things I’m doing to get through the day:

I’m revisiting this episode on managing anxiety from past podcast guests – it was originally created for during the election, but I realize every contribution applies perfectly for this moment too.

I’m signing up for The State’s Project 2025: Here’s the Plan call this week where they will outline their strategies for electoral goals and how they are fighting the MAGA agenda.

I’m opening registration for this year’s “Virtual Milestone Hike” an opportunity for a small group of us to gather on Zoom, using the metaphor of an ascent and descent, to reflect on the chapter that is closing and set intentions for what we will create in the chapter ahead. It’s my favorite thing that I facilitate and needed more than ever. Join us?